/ 



BIRMIHGHAM XLLXJSTBATED. 



CORNISH'S 

STRANGER'S GUIDE 

THROUGH. 

BIKMTNGHAM. 

BEING AN ACCURATE ACCOUNT OF ALL THE 

public Building*, 

RELIGIOUS, EDUCATIONAL, AND CHARITABLE FOUNDATIONS, 

LITERARY AND SCIENTIFIC INSTITUTIONS, AND 

MANUFACTORIES. 

AS WELL AS ALL OTHER 

ELACES OF PUBLIC RESORT IN THE VICINITY. 




"forward." 

<£tgf)t!) Edition, Kwipiobeir sno ^nlargetr 

AND EMBELLISHED 

WITH A NEW MAP, AND FINE ENGRAVINGS 

By the Artists of the Illustrated London News. 

BIRMINGHAM: 

CORNISH, BROTHERS, AT THE OLD ESTABLISHED 

CHEAP BOOK DEPOT, No. 37, NEW STREET, 

Next Boor to the Journal Office. 
AND J. CORNISH, LONDON. 

1851. 



INDEX. 



PAGE., 

Amusements. 

The Botanical Gardens . . 97 
Concerts, Monday, at the 

Town Hall 12 

Museum Queen's College 15 

Theatre 18 

Vauxhall 104 

New 104 

Assay Office . . 24 

Asylum 36 

Aston Hall and Church .. 100 

Arts, Society of, 16 

Artists, Society of, . . . . 21 

Banks. 

Attwood's, Spooner & Co. 29 

Bank of England, branch, 19 

Birmingham Banking Co. 19 

Midland 24 

Moilliet 22 

Savings 21 

Taylor and Lloyds . . . . 34 

Bankruptcy Court . . . . 23 

Barracks 32 

Baskerville, Life of, . . . . 38 

Baths 33 

Birmingham, Derivation of 

name 1 

Short History of. . 2 

Manor House . . 3 

Castle 3 

Fired by Prince 

Rupert 4 



PAGB. 

Birmingham, Prince Al- 
bert's visit 73 

Canal Company . . 42 

Water Works . . 42 

Gas Company . . 22 

— and Staffordshire 

Gas Co 35 

Book, Old and New, Estab- 
lishment 28 

Car Stands 49 

Cemetery, General, . . . . 106 
Church of England, 107 

Churches, Chapels, &c. 

All Saints 63 

Bishop Ryder's 62 

Christ Church 59 

Holy Trinity 61 

Saint Andrews' 64 

" Bartholomew's .. 60 

" George's 62 

" James's 61 

" John's 61 

" Luke's 64 

" Martin's 52 

" Mary's 61 

" Mark's 63 

" Matthew's .. .. 63 

" Paul's 62 

" Peter's 59 

" Philip's 58 

" Stephen's 63 

" Thomas' 60 



iV 



INDEX. 



VJL&B. 

Dissenters' Chapels. 

Cannon Street 72 

Carr's Lane 69 

Circus 32 

Church of Our Saviour . . 72 

Friends' Meeting 1 .. .. 69 

Jews' Synagogue . . . . 72 

Meeting-, (Old and New) 71 

New Jerusalem 70 

Presbyterian 70 

Wesleyans 72 

Roman Catholic. 

Saint Chads' 6i 

" Peter's 68 

Oratory 69 

Convent 69 

House of Mercy 69 

Cornish Brothers' Cheap 

Second hand Books . . 151 

Corporation 6 

Crescent 38 

Education 7 



Educational Establish- 
ments. 
Edward VI. 's Grammar 

school 26 

Queen's College .. .. 13 

Proprietary School . . . . 43 

Spring Hill College.. . 44 

Hebrew National Schools 44 

Blue Coat school . . - . 22 

Dissenters' Charity Schools 44 

Deaf and Dumb Asylum ' 98 

Institute for the Blind . . 42 

Magdalen 42 

Edgbaston 94 

Hall and Church.. 95 

Excise Office 18 

Environs. 

Hagley and Clent Hills . . 115 

Dudley 117 

Kenilworth 109 

Leasowes 116 

Stratford-on-Avon . . .. 113 

Warwick Ill 

Guy's Cliff no 



Fire Offices. 

Birmingham 25 

Norwich 20 

District 18 

Government School of De- 
sign 16 

Gun-barrel Proof House . . 89 

Handsworth 99 

Harbourne 99 

Hospitals and Charities. 

General Hospital .. .. 36 

Queen's Hospital .. .. 15 

Lying-in Hospitals .. .. 42 

Eye Infirmary 24 

Dispensary 25 

Hotels. 

Beech's .. 49 

Dee s 24 

Hen and Chickens .. .. 28 

Queen's 48 

Stork 35 

Union 25 

Lady Well 33 

Literary and Scientific 
Institutions. 

Philosophical Institution 22 

Polytechnic 23 

Athenic Institute . . . . 24 

Odd Fellows ditto .. .. 21 

Old Library 25 

Theological Library. . . . 57 

Markets. 

Market Hall .'.' . . . . 39 

Smithfield 31 

Corn Exchange 33 

Fish 3 

Belmont Row 34 

Monuments. 

Nelson 30 

Watt 9<» 

Sir W. de Birmingham . . f 

W. de Birmingham.. .. ! 

Ecclesiastic 

John de Birmingham . . 

Edgbaston i 

Morals 



INDEX. 



Moseley 105 

Musical Festivals 37 

Ditto 57 

Manufactories : 

Bacchus's Glass Works . . 79 

Cambridge Street Works 76 

I Collis's Silver and Plate do. 77 
1 Cornforth's Britannia Metal 

i ditto 86 

i Elkington & Co.'s Electro 

Plate ditto 80 

Foothorape & Co.'s Papier 

Mache ditto 88 

Gillott's Steel Pen ditto . . 87 

Great Midland Emporium 89 
Griffith & Hopkins s Show 

Rooms 89 

Hammond. Turner, & Co.'s 

Button Works . . . . 87 
Harris's Glass ditto . . . . 88 
( Jennens & Bettridge's Pa- 
pier Mache ditto . . . . 85 
Lane's Japan Manufactory 91 
M'Callum and Hodson's 

Papier Mache ditto .. 79 
Mapplebeck and Lowe's 

Establishments . . . . 92 
Muntz's Rolling Mills .. 83 
Osier's Cut Glass Works 82 
Peyton & Harlow's Bed- 
stead ditto 91 

Phipson's Fin Manufactory 78 

Ratcliff's Lamp ditto . . 84 
I Rodgers and Son's India 

Rubber Works .. .. 78 



FAGS 

Reeves and Co.'s Sword 

Manufactory 89 

Remond's Envelope ditto 90 
Rotary Cut Nail Works S3 
Sargent's Gun Barrel Ma- 
nufactory 74 

Sherwood's Plate ditto . . 87 

Newspapers: 

Gazette 26 

Herald.. : 24 

Journal 28 

Mercury 28 

Old Square 34 

Police Force 31 

Station 18 

Population 6 

Post Office 18 

Priory of St. Thomas . . . . 34 

Prince Albert's Visit . . . . 73 

Public Office 31 

Railways 44 to 48 

Riots in 1791 4 

„ 1839 30 

Roman Roads 2 

Stamp Office 20 

Streets 9 

Town Hall .. 10 

„ Organ 11 

„ Monday Evening 

Concerts 12 

Theatre 18 

Wards . . . . 6 

Warwick |111 

Waterloo Rooms 20 

Workhouse 35 



TRADESMEN'S NOTICES. 

Beddington and Dockers, Lamp Manufacturers, Rea Street 
G. R. Collis and Co., Plate Manufacturers, Church Street . . 

Clifford's Rolling Mills, Fazeley Street 

Cobley, Pocket Book Manufacturer, Great Charles Street . . 
Cornforth, Britannia Metal Manufacturer, Newhall Street .. 

Cornish, Brothers, Cheap Book Depot 

D. Cope and Sons, Spoon, Fork, &c. Manufacturers, Bartho- 
lomew Street .. 

Dadley, Gilt Toy Manufacturer, Newhall Street 

Evans, Plater, St. Paul's Square .. .. .- j 

Foothorape & Co., Papier Mache Manufacturers, Church St. 



138 
132 
149 
148 
148 
150 

120 
141 
148 
135 



VI INDEX. 

John Gould, Hinge Manufacturer, Lionel Street . . . . 142 

Hewlett, Japanner, Great Charles Street 149 

Jenkins and Clark, Furnishing and General Ironmongers . . 147 

Jowett and Co. Clothiers, &c, New Street 145 

Benjamin Marsh, Candlestick Manufacturer .. „. .. 149 

Mitchell, Steel Pen Manufacturer 141 

M'Evoy's Invisible Hooks and Eyes 139 

Mapplebeck and Lowe's Hardware Establishments . . . . 134 
M'Callum and Hodson, Japanners and Papier Mache Works 131 
F. and C. Osier's Cut Glass Works, Broad Street . . . . 129 
John Oakes, Stirrup, Bit, and Spur Manufactory, Exeter 

Row 145 

Peyton and Harlow, Metallic Bedstead Works 124 

Phipson's Metallic Bedsteads, Navigation Street . . „ . 122 
Phillips, Writing Desk Manufacturer, Great Charles Street 149 
C. & F. Pemberton, Glass Stainers, Newhall Hill . . . . 121 
J. & C. Ratcliff, Lamp Manufacturers, Suffolk Street . . 130 
Reeves and Co., Sword and Matchet Manufacturers, Bar- 
tholomew Street 142 

Rowley, Stamper and Piercer, Newhall Street . . . . ho 

Rodgers and Son's India Rubber Works, Broad Street . . 137 
Rudhall and Co., Steel Pen Manufacturers, Worcester Street 143 
Room's Great Midland Emporium, Bull Ring . . . . 126-7-8 
Remond, Envelope Manufacturer, Great Charles Street . . 148 
Rowland's Kalydor, Macassar Oil, &c. Hatton Garden, London 119 
Sheldon, Pencil Case Manufacturer, Great Hampton Street 147 
Smith and Hawkes, General Iron Founders, Broad Street . . 136 

125 
123 
146 
148 
133 
145 



Vauxhall (New) Pleasure Gardens 

R. W. Winfield, Cambridge Street Works 

Wareing and Son, Tailors, Robe Makers, &c. New Street 

Waddell and Williams, Coach Manufacturers 

John Yates and Sons, Platers, Coleshill Street 

Yates and Birch, Pewterers, Coleshill Street . . 



THE STRANGER'S GUIDE 

THROUGH BIRMINGHAM. 



Chapter If. 

HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE TOWN OP 
BIRMINGHAM. 

Birmingham, the capital of the Midland Counties and 
emporium of the mechanical arts, is situated in the north- 
west extremity of Warwickshire, in latitude 52° 29' 
north, and longitude lo 48' west. It is a borough town, 
returning two members to parliament ; distance 97f miles 
from Liverpool, and 112i from London. 

On account of the antiquity of the Town, the deriva- 
tion of its name cannot be correctly ascertained. Mr. 
Hamper has enumerated more than one hundred ways of 
spelling Birmingham. Dugdale is of opinion that the 
name is derived from that of the first lord who possessed 

B 



Z THE STRANGER S GUIDE 

it ; but Mr. Hutton, an inhabitant of the Town, and its 
best historian, believed it to be derived from the words 
Brom, Wych, and Ham ; Brom signifying a shrub, which 
there is reason to believe abounded in the neighbour- 
hood ; Wych, signifying a descent ; and Ham signifying 
home. 

Little is known of the ancient history of the Town. 
From the arguments adduced by Mr. Hutton, it is pro- 
bable that in the days of the ancient Britons, Birming- 
ham was celebrated for its manufacture of arms ; and that 
the arms of that people were made here. That it was a 
place of some importance, is certain, from the ancient 
British way called Icknield-street, afterwards converted 
into a Roman military road, and the Roman roads, Shir- 
ley Street and Monkswell Street, having been carried so 
near to the Town. That Birmingham was a place of 
consideration in the time of the Saxons, appears from 
William de Birmingham, lord of the manor, having in the 
year 1309, proved that his ancestors had, before the con- 
quest, the privilege of a market. 

In the Norman Survey, the Town was rated for four 
miles of land, and for wood, of half a mile in length, and 
four furlongs in breadth ; the whole being valued at 
twenty shillings. 

From the year 1050 to 1537, the possession of the place 
was vested in the family of Birmingham. It then passed 
into the hands of John Dudley, duke of Northumber- 
land ; after his execution it reverted in the reign of 
Queen Mary to the crown, and by the queen it was 
granted to Thomas Marrow, Esq. whose descendants 
continued to be lords of the manor for up wards of two 
hundred years. In 1746, the manor was purchased by 



THROUGH BIRMINGHAM. 6 

Thomas Archer, Esq. ; and it is at present the property 
of Christopher Musgrave, Esq. 

The manor house, the residence of the lords of Bir- 
mingham, was situated at the Moat, about eighty yards 
south of St. Martin's church, now called Moat Row ; the 
water which supplied the moat, was obtained from a small 
stream, which divided the parishes of Edgbaston and 
Birmingham. In the reign of Henry the Second, Peter 
de Birmingham had a castle here, in which he resided in 
great splendour. The succeeding lords also made it their 
residence, until the usurpation of the manor by the Duke 
of Northumberland in 1537. In the year 1730, a house 
was built on the site of the old castle ; some remains of 
which house continued until 1816 ; when the moat was 
filled, up, and the site of the mansion converted into a 
market-place for the sale of cattle, and now called 
Smithfield. 

On the spot now occupied by the old square stood the 
priory of St. Thomas the Apostle ; which was founded by 
the house of Birmingham, and was dissolved at the re- 
formation. Clodshale's chantry was another religious 
endowment, founded by Walter de Clodshale, who ac- 
quired a fortune, and resided in the manor house of Salt- 
ley. There was also a guild of the holy cross, but no 
traces of these religious establishments remain.* 

From the period of the Norman conquest to the war of 
the commonwealth, the inhabitants enjoyed the blessings 
of peace, taking no part in the wars between the houses of 
York and Lancaster. During this period, the inhabitants 

* The endowment of the Free Grammar school consists in part of 
the lands which belonged to the Guild of the Holy Cross, 

B 2 



4 the stranger's guide 

were principally smiths and cutlers ; though a great trade 
in leather was carried on. The shops of the smiths oc- 
cupied the fronts of the houses ; and the line of street 
extending from Deritend to Digbelh, was filled with their 
smithies. 

But when the parliament declared war against Charles 
I., the inhabitants of Birmingham espoused the cause of 
the commonwealth. Detachments of the republican 
troops were stationed here ; the carriages of the king, 
with his plate and furniture, were seized, as they were 
passing with the king through the town ; and were con- 
veyed to Warwick castle. The townsmen refused to 
make arms for the soldiers of the royal army ; while they 
sent fifteen thousand swords to the cavalry of the repub- 
licans ; joined to which, several bands of volunteers were 
raised to serve against the king. 

Prince Rupert in April, 1643, with an army of two 
thousand men, marching into the north of England, ar- 
rived at Birmingham, for the purpose of opening a line 
of march to the north, and of punishing the inhabitants 
for their disloyalty to the king. After some severe fight- 
ing at the suburbs, which were defended by the towns- 
men, who fought with great courage, the Prince entered 
the principal streets, and set fire to a great part of the 
town. In the battle the Earl of Denbigh was wounded, 
and shortly after died. 

On the entrance to the town, upon the London road, 
is a place still called Camphill, where the troops of the 
prince encamped. In the year 1791, the peace of the 
town was disturbed by one of those outbreaks of the 
people, which, though of rare occurrence in England, 
cannot be regarded without feelings of the deepest regret. 



THROUGH BIRMINGHAM. 



For three days, the people committed the greatest vio. 
lence, burning the principal meeting houses, and the 
houses of several of the most worthy inhabitants. The 
arrival of a division of cavalry at length put a stop to 
these excesses. 

According to the statement of Mr. Hutton, at the 
Restoration, Birmingham contained fifteen streets ; nine 
hundred and seven houses ; and five thousand seven hun- 
dred and forty two inhabitants. Since" the Reformation, 
the town has been rapidly progressing in size, and in- 
creasing in population. The number of its present in- 
habitants is about two hundred and twenty thousand. 



Chapter $#. 

ITS PRESENT STATE. 

If one town more than another is entitled to the merit of 
having improved the machinery which tends to civilize 
the human race— that town is Birmingham. Here John 
Baskerville devoted his talents and his capital to the found- 
ing of type for printing, in which labour he was eminently 
successful. Here Priestly pursued his studies in chemistry 
and electricity ; and in the groves of Soho, James Watt 
laid the foundation of that power, which is more mighty 
in its effects on the condition of mankind than any human 



6 THE STRANGER'S GUIDE 

invention has hitherto been. It is through the genius, 
energies, and perseverance of these great men, that Bir- 
mingham enjoys its present pre-eminence. 

Birmingham, until the Reform Act, in 1832, was unre- 
presented in the councils of the nation. It now sends two 
members to Parliament. On the 31st of October, 1838, 
the town received a charter of incorporation ; and on the 
26th of December of the same year, the first election of 
mayor, town councillors, and aldermen took place, when 
the Borough was divided into thirteen wards, and sixteen 
aldermen elected to represent them. The three extra 
are elected by the body corporate to act in the ab- 
sence of any of the regular representatives ; forty-eight 
councillors have been elected. The population consists 
of 220,000 persons, who, with a few exceptions, are a 
religious, moral, well-educated, and industrious body ; 
for an estimate of the state of religion, we have only to 
turn to the number of places of worship, when it will be 
discovered to the credit of the inhabitants, there are more 
than sixty churches and chapels ; of these, eighteen be- 
long to the Established Church, the rest are places of 
worship of the different sects and denominations of dis- 
senters, except three devoted to the Roman Catholics, and 
one to the religion of the Jews. In each of the churches 
and chapels service is performed twice on a Sabbath, in 
many of them three times, and, with few exceptions, 
evening service is performed at each once or twice in the 
course of the week. Though containing such a variety 
of religious sects, whose principles of religion are in many 
cases directly opposite, the town exhibits no example of 
religious strife ; the greatest tolerance in religion is shoAvn 
by the inhabitants to each other. One interesting feature 



THROUGH BIRMINGHAM. / 

connected with the religion of the Town, is, that almost 
all the churches and chapels have been built by the sub- 
scriptions of the inhabitants. With regard to the morals 
of the population, we may infer from the preceding ob- 
servations that a great degree of decorum prevails ; never- 
theless, as in all large and populous towns, considerable 
immorality exists, which is principally occasioned by the 
employing of the youth of both sexes in crowded manu- 
factories, thrown together at a tender age : they form 
improper connexions, or marry early, the consequences 
of which are too frequently distressing to themselves. 
The wealthier inhabitants are remarkable, generally 
speaking, for a strict observance of those outward forms 
which, while beneficial to themselves, afford good ex- 
ample to those beneath them. 

The Charitable Institutions form not the least of these 
claims which Birmingham possesses to the admiration 
of the strangers. Of the Asylums for the relief of the 
poor, the principal are the General Hospital, the Queen's 
Hospital, the Workhouse for the relief of the aged 
poor, and the Asylum for the reception of poor children t 
Besides these, there are a Public Dispensary, a self- 
supporting Dispensary, a Magdalen Asylum, and an eye 
Infirmary. 

The Town is amply provided with means of education ; 
attached to every place of worship is a Sunday-school for 
the children of the congregation, and which are sufficient 
to afford instruction to every poor child ; besides which 
there are Infant Schools, a Lancastrian, a National and 
Ragged Schools, and those noble institutions, the Blue-coat 
Charity and the Free Grammar Schools. There is also a 
Proprietary School, and several excellent private acade- 



8 THE STRANGER S GUIDE 

mies in the neighbourhood. For the adult population, there 
is the Philosophical Institution, the Polytechnic Athenic 
Institution, and the Society of Arts ; all of which it is 
pleasing to know are duly appreciated and encouraged. 
With regard to the amusements of the inhabitants the 
town is little celebrated. The mechanic too frequently 
finds his transient pleasure in one of the numerous pub- 
lic-houses of the Town, which is scarcely to be wondered 
at, when we consider that no recreation of any kind is 
provided as a relief to that almost ceaseless labour to 
which he is subjected. Even amongst the more wealthy 
there does not appear to be that love of amusement so 
common to the inhabitants of large towns. There are, 
however, public, card, and dancing parties, and private 
concerts at Dee's Hotel, during the winter season, and 
public concerts are frequently given at the Town Hall, 
which are well attended. 

The principal place of amusement is the Theatre, but 
though a great number of the inhabitants frequent the 
Theatre, it is by a larger number neglected. Theatrical 
amusements always have been, and probably always will 
be, attendant on a high degree of civilization ; that more 
patronage is not bestowed upon the drama arises from 
local causes, the principal of which is, the number of 
dissenters who reside in the town, who never visit the 
Theatre, on account of objections they entertain to theatri- 
cal performances. 

To the credit of the proprietors, the Botanical Gardens 
have been lately thrown open, at a very low rate of ad- 
mission, on certain days of the week, affording a cheap, 
healthful, and rational recreation to the inhabitants. Such 
amusements, by creating in man a happy and cheerful 



THROUGH BIRMINGHAM. 9 

mind, fit him for the performance of those severe labours 
to which he is called. 

In point of situation as regards health the Town is 
most advantageously placed. It is the elevated situa- 
tion that renders the Town so conducive to health. Mr. 
Hutton has instanced many individuals who have lived to 
advanced ages. Contagious disorders are scarcely known 
here. The Inspector of Sanatory Commission, when in 
Birmingham, said that it was in better condition than 
any town he had visited ; a greater proof of its general 
salubrity cannot be adduced than the fact, that, during 
the prevalence of the cholera, which raged in the neigh- 
bourhood, the Town was exempt from its visitation. 

The general appearance of the Town is highly prepos- 
sessing. Though the streets do not traverse the Town in 
a direct manner, the irregularity is advantageous ; for it 
gives nooks and corners, which, well-managed, form ex- 
cellent sites for public buildings. The angular approach 
to the Town Hall is an example of this kind. The site of 
Christ Church, near the Town Hall, is so fine, that it is 
to be wished the building itself were better. St. Martin's 
Church, in the Bull Ring, has a similar fine site. The 
corner of Dale End and Bull Street, and the corner of 
High Street and New Street, are similar salient angles, 
which would afford scope for fine buildings. The streets 
themselves are lively and bustling, full of good shops, and 
crowded with people. New Street is the Bond Street of 
Birmingham. What with its glittering array of shops, 
its inns, its fine Elizabethan School, its School of Arts, 
its Theatre, its Post Office, gives the ton to that part of 
the Town. High Street and Bull Street are localities of 
good shops and trade. The rest of the streets are almost 



10 THE STRANGER'S GUIDE 

entirely occupied by the numerous variety of Birmingham 
manufacturers. 

But it is not the appearance of the Town that will 
most interest the visitor. He will derive most pleasure 
from the contemplation of the resources it possesses. Its 
noble institutions, its extensive and far-famed manufac- 
tories, and the ingenious machines employed therein, are 
objects to which his attention will be directed : and to 
secure such aid, by laying before the visitor all possible 
information upon such interesting points, the following 
pages have been devoted. 



Chapter Bi 

PUBLIC BUILDINGS AND INSTITUTIONS OF 
BIRMINGHAM. 

THE TOWN HALL, 

situated at the top of New Street, and at the corner of two 
converging streets, is decidedly the most attractive and 
splendid building in the town ; it was erected by Messrs. 
Hansom and Welch, from the model of one of the an- 
cient temples of Greece. A rustic basement supports a 
series of noble Corinthian columns, which extend round 
the front and two sides of the building. The hall, es- 
teemed the most spacious room in the kingdom, is orna- 




fc 



** 



THROUGH BIRMINGHAM. 11 

mented with mural pillars, which rise to the elaborately 
worked roof. In a recess at the end stands a magnificent 
organ, erected at an expense of between £3000 and 
# £4000. The Town Hall is devoted to the public assem- 
blies of the inhabitants, who frequently meet here, in 
great numbers, on political and local subjects. It is cal- 
culated that four thousand persons may assemble in the 
hall without inconvenience. The triennial musical fes- 
tivals are held here ; and a series of concerts are given 
in the season, which (taking into account the beauty and 
extent of the building, the talent of the performers, and 
the number of well dressed persons who attend) can 
scarcely be surpassed. 

The Birmingham Town Hall is a successful attempt to 
apply to modern uses the most beautiful examples of 
Grecian and Roman architecture. The material with 
which it is built, an imperishable marble obtained from 
the island of Anglesey, is of a similar description to that 
used by the ancients in the construction of their temples: 
We subjoin a table of the principal dimensions and 
characteristics of the building. _ 

Height of the basement . 

Height of the column . 

Diameter of the columns . 

Height of the capital . . 

Weight of each column . 
The dimensions of the great room are : 

Length 

Breadth .... 

Height . . . . . 

Making 600,000 cubical feet. 
Besides the principal room, the building contains ex- 



23 feet 


36 feet 


3 feet 6 in. 


4 feet 


26 tons 


145 feet 


65 feet 


65 feet 



12 mi' STRANGER'S CHIDE 

tensive corridors, a saloon, a grand slaircasc and ante- 
rooms, under the gallery a committee room, and several 
other apartments. The basement of the building forms 

a promenade* whereon more than one thousand five 

hundred persons may conveniently stand. 

The magnificent organ is of the following dimensions: 
The organ case is forty feet wide, forty-live fee) high, and 
seventeen feet deep. The Largest wood pipe measures, in 
the interior, two hundred and twenty-four cubic feet. 

The bellOWS Of the organ ;tre very large. They contain 

three hundred square feet of surface, and upwards of three 

tons weight upon the bellows are required to give the 
necessary pressure. It. is calculated that the trackers in 
the organ, if laid out in a straight line, would reach above 
live miles. There arc seventy-eight draw-stops, four sets 
of keys, and above four thousand pipes. The weight of 
the instrument is about forty-live tons ; and in the depth, 
power, variety, and sweetness of its tone far surpasses any 
in Europe. It was built by Mr. Hill, of London. 

On Monday evenings, commencing at eight o'clock 
in summer and at half-past seven in winter, a mu- 
sical entertainment is given, on which occasion our ta- 
lented organist, Mr. Slimpson, plays a variety of pieces 
of the first class. Vocal music is also introduced with 
great advantage. The price of admission is three-pence. 
The inhabitants cannot but congratulate themselves in 
having at their command SO cheap and intellectual a 
treat. It is generally well and respectably attended. 

For the convenience Of strangers passing through the 
town, a performance takes place nearly every Thursday, 
from one to two o'clock, when the pine of admission is 
one shilling. 



THROUGH BIRMINGHAM. 



13 



Opposite the Town Hall, in Paradise Street, is 
THE QUEEN'S COLLEGE, 

which is an imposing building of Gothic architecture, 
founded in the year 1828, by Sands Cox, Esq., F.B.S., 
and incorporated by Royal Charter in 1843, and again in 
1847. The course of instruction qualifies for the B.M. 
and M.D. degrees in the University of London and fo 




the diplomas of the Royal College of Surgeons and Society 
of Apothecaries ; the council grant certificates also for the 
degrees of B.A., M.A., B.C.L., and D.C.L. to be con- 
ferred by the University of London. The buildings com- 
prise rooms for seventy resident students, lecture halls, 
chemical laboratory, engineering workshops, model room* 

c 



14 THE STRANGER'S GUIDE 






museums, libraries, and a chapel. The chapel, which was 
consecrated in 1845, contains a beautiful window of 
stained glass, (Christ healing the sick), executed at the 
expense of the students by the eminent Messrs. Pemberto^ 
from a design furnished by Mr. Brooke Smith, jun. In the 
dining hall are placed fine portraits of the founder, of the 
first principal, Dr. Johnstone, and of the great benefactor to 
the College, the Rev. Samuel Wilson Warneford, LL.D., 
also three magnificent paintings from the palace at Wells, 
presented by the Rev. Chancellor Law, the Vice-Princi- 
pal, one of which, " The Return of the Prodigal Son," by 
David, merits especial notice. The institution is under 
the direction and management of a -council ; the students 
are under the superintendence of the senior tutor and 
chaplain, a graduate of Oxford. The Rev. Samuel Wilson 
Warneford, LL.D. who, besides gifts for the hospital and 
the erection of the college chapel, has endowed the chap- 
laincy, the professorship of Theology, and the Medical 
Tutorship, and founded four scholarships of £10, tenable 
for two years, and two prizes, the interest of £1000, to be 
annually awarded for the best essays on some subject 
taken out of any branch of anatomical, physiological or 
pathological science, always and especially with a view 
to exemplify the wisdom, goodness, and power of God." 
Other prizes are given by the governors, and by the pro- 
fessors, tutors, masters, in their respective classes. 

The Theological department, under the superintend- 
ence of a warden is intended to locate at Numbers 7 
and 8 in the Crescent. Law students, desirous of obtain- 
ing a degree, are admitted into this department. 

At Numbers 4, 5, 6, in the Crescent, is the department 
for resident junior students, under the superintendence of 



THROUGH BIRMINGHAM. 15 

a mathematical tutor, a graduate of Cambridge, and an 
assistant classical tutor. In this department, the students 
enter for the full period of five years, to spend two 
years in elementary training — after which they occupy 
rooms in the college. 

Non-resident students are admitted into either of the 
departments. They are required to live with their parents 
or guardians, or in lodgings selected by their parents 
or guardians, and approved by the senior tutor and dean 
of the faculty. 

Connected with the College are Museums of Human and 
Comparative Anatomy, containing upwards of 3000 speci- 
mens; enriched by collections of the late George Freer, and 
the late Alfred Jukes, surgeons of the General Hospital, and 
the late John Ingleby, surgeon of the Dispensary, the 
pathological models of the late Dr. Felix Thibert ; of 
Zoology, Geology, and the other departments of natural 
history ; enriched by the invaluable collection of the late 
Earl of Mountnorris, and the late Viscount Valentia . 
also by the Weaver collection, purchased at the sum of 
£1500. Open daily from eleven o'clock till dusk. Monday 
and Fridays, admission sixpence ; and on Tuesday, Wed- 
nesday, Thursday, and Saturday, one shilling. 

In connexion with the College, and situated at Hollo- 
way Head, near St. Thomas's Church, is the 

QUEEN'S HOSPITAL, 

a chaste and elegant structure, from the design of Bate- 
man and Drury, the architects of the college ; it is ap- 
proached by an elegant portico surmounted by the arms 
of Rev. D. Warnford (a great benefactor to the Hospital). 
The building consists of a centre and two ( wings. There 



16 THE STRANGER'S GUIDE 

is a separate Fever Hospital. The institution was founded 
by William Sands Cox, Esq. under the auspices of the 
Rev. Chancellor Law ; the foundation stone was laid on 



the 18th June, 1840, by the Earl Howe; and the wards 
were opened in the following year by the bishop of the 
diocese. 
In New Street stands the 

SOCIETY OF ARTS AND GOVERNMENT 

SCHOOLS OF DESIGN, 

which has a fine front, in the Grecian style of architec- 
ture, consisting of a lofty and bold portico supported by 
fluted columns, which are crowned with rich capitals. 
The large exhibition room is of a circular form, 52 feet 
in diameter, and adjoining are smaller ones for the recep- 
tion of casts and marbles, &c, now used for modelling 
drawing from the antique, &c. The formation of this in- 
stitution is due, in a great measure, to Sir Robert Law- 
ley, who, in 1821, presented a collection of casts moulded 



THROUGH BIRMINGHAM. 



17 



from the original Grecian marbles. It has also received 
donations, presents of works of art, and valuable books, 
from many noblemen and gentlemen. The manage- 
ment is vested in a committee, and the office of president 
has been filled by several noblemen and gentlemen of 




distinction. In 1843, the School was opened as a School 
of Design— a liberal grant, and donation of casts and ne- 
cessary furniture, having been made by the council of the 
Government School of Design, in London. The grant 
has been since increased, and for the last year amounted 
to £400. The number of pupils at present, are 524, who 
are admitted on the payment of small fees, or the nomi- 
nation of a subscriber. There are classes for male and 
female pupils at stated hours. An annual meeting of the 
subscribers takes place in May, when prizes are given to 
the most deserving pupils. 






18 THE STRANGER'S GUIDE 

Immediately below, is the 

DISTRICT FIRE OFFICE, AND POLICE 
STATION, 

and opposite, is the 

POST OFFICE, 

a spacious building, admirably adapted to the increasing 
wants of the town. Since its removal from the corner of 
the opposite street, considerable improvements have been 
made. Branch offices have also been opened in various 
parts of the town and its suburbs. There are three deli- 
veries a day, at 8 a.m., 11 a.m., and at 4 p.m. The box 
is open for London stamped letters till 12 p.m. 

In the same building is the Excise Office, and nearly 
adjoining is the 

THEATRE, 

an elegant building, distinguished by the chasleness and 
beauty of its design. The facade in front, presenting 
a piazza surrounded by a colonade, and ornamented 
with wings at the extremities, in the face of which are 
medallions, representing Shakspeare and Garrick. The first 
building erected on this spot for dramatic performances, 
was 1774, which, in August, 1792, was destroyed by fire, 
when a larger and more commodious edifice was built, 
which, likewise became a prey to the flames, in 1820, but 
fortunately on neither occasion was the front injured. In 
the course of the same year, the present Theatre was built, 
which in point of accommodation, chasteness of design, and 
scenic effect of its stage is not" to be surpassed by any 
provincial theatre. It contains a commodious pit, two 



THROUGH BIRMINGHAM. 19 

rows of boxes, and an extensive gallery, and will hold 
about two thousand persons. Few theatres have produced 
so many distinguished actors ; amongst whom, Mr. Ma- 
cready may be mentioned. But not alone, great actors 
have received their first meed of applause in connexion 
with this Theatre — Mr. Stanfield, late the scene painter 
at Drury Lane, and Mr. Alfred Bunn, the late lessee 
of Covent Garden Theatre, held like official appoint- 
ments here. 

Under the spirited management of its present enter- 
prising lessee Mr. Simpson, this Theatre has risen to a 
degree of popularity in the town, never hitherto reached, 
which may be, owing in a great measure, to the number 
of thriving theatres possessed by Mr. Simpson in various 
parts of the country, enabling him to command a choice 
of talent, and a continued stream of novelty throughout 
the season. 

The entrance to the boxes is in New Street; to the pit, 
through a small passage in Lower Temple Street, and to 
the gallery from a small street at the back of the Theatre. 
Prices of admission, dress boxes, three shillings ; upper 
boxes, two shillings ; pit, one shilling ; gallery, sixpence. 

A few doors up Bennett's Hill, opposite the Theatre, is 
the 

BRANCH BANK OF ENGLAND, 

an elegant and' commodious building. On the opposite 
side are the offices of the 

BIRMINGHAM BANKING COMPANY, 

the first of the Joint Stock Banks, established in Birming- 



20 THE STRANGER'S GUIDE 

ham. The bank is an elegant stone building, ornamented 
with rows of Corinthian columns ; it contains a fine room, 
in which the business of the bank is transacted. 

The other buildings in Bennett's Hill, worthy of notice, 
are the 

NORWICH UNION FIRE OFFICE, 

and the 

NEWS ROOM, 

a building in the Grecian style, erected from the designs 
of Messrs. Rickman and Hutchinson. The arrangement 
of the interior is appropriate. The property is vested in 
the hands of shareholders, and the room is supported by 
a numerous body of subscribers, to whom it was opened 
in 1825. The whole of the leading London and foreign 
journals, with a good selection of provincial papers, are 
taken in for the use of subscribers, who have the privilege 
of introducing strangers to the room. Since the first erec- 
tion, additional rooms have been added. 
In Waterloo Street are the 

WATERLOO ROOMS 
AND COURT OF BANKRUPTCY. 

In this street, and its immediate neighbourhood, are 
the offices of the greater part of the attorneys, solicitors, 
gentlemen connected with the Bankruptcy Court, &c. 

Returning to the end of the street, and passing the 

STAMP OFFICE 

and St. Philip's Church, of which we give a description 



THROUGH BIRMINGHAM. 21 

in page 56, we arrive at the Athenaeum rooms, now 
used by the 

SOCIETY OF ARTISTS, 

at the corner of Upper Temple Street, which arose from 
some disagreement between the professional and non pro- 
fessional members of the Society of Arts, in New Street, 
which terminated by the secession of the artists from that 
society, and engaging these premises for their exhibitions 
and other purposes connected with that object. 
In the same building, is the 

SAVINGS BANK, 

which was established in 1827, and has proved of infinite 
service to the working portion of the town. 
In Temple Street is the 

ODDFELLOWS' UTERARY INSTITUTE, 

A handsome building, from the design of Messrs. Cox and 
Goodwin. The frontage, extending about forty-five feet, 
though not elaborately decorated, has an elegant appear- 
ance. Internally, the arrangements are very complete 
and convenient. On either side of the entrance on the 
ground floor, the secretary and house-steward's apart- 
ments are arranged with every convenience attached. 
Extending backwards are the library and news-room, and 
other apartments, spacious and lofty, and specially adapted 
for that purpose. On the second floor, a committee room, 
capable of containing about 120 persons, extends along 
the front, and behind, occupying nearly the whole area 
of the building, is the principal hall. This spacious apart- 
ment, which will afford accommodation for nearly 1000 



22 the stranger's guide 

persons, is decorated in an appropriate style. It is 
lighted from the roof; and a small and neat gallery, which 
adds considerably to the appearance of the room, is 
erected over the entrance. The library and reading room 
are both judiciously selected, and are thrown open on 
very liberal terms, owing to which circumstance they en- 
joy an extensive patronage. 

On the eastern side of the churchyard is the 

BLUE COAT CHARITY SCHOOL, 

a noble building, erected in the year 1724, for the pur- 
pose of receiving and educating a limited number of poor 
children. The charity is supported by private and other 
contributions ; the average number of children in the 
school is one hundred and forty boys and sixty girls. 
Near the Blue Coat Sehool is 

DEE'S ROYAL HOTEL, 

a lofty brick building, with a neat portico, and one of 
the most respectable houses in the town. It possesses a 
good asssembly room, in which are held private concerts 
and assemblies. 

Leaving the Hotel, and proceeding along Temple Row, 
we arrive at Cherry Street, in which, on the right, is the 
Office of the Birmingham Gas Company and the old 
established Bank of Messrs Moilliet and Sons. Two 
doors from the bank is Cannon Street, at the extremity of 
which, on the left hand side of the way, is 

THE PHILOSOPHICAL INSTITUTION, 

which was founded in 1800 ; in 1812 the present building 



THROUGH BIRMINGHAM. 23 

was devoted to the purposes of the society. It contains a 
Laboratory, Museum, Theatre, and News Room. The La- 
boratory is amply furnished with the means of pursuing che- 
mical science, and classes meet periodically under the di- 
rection of a teacher. The instruction is of a purely practical 
kind, each student engaging in a systematic course of expe- 
riment, under the able direction of George Shaw, Esq. The 
Museum contains an extensive series of fossil remains, and 
is particularly rich in local fossils. It also possesses a col- 
lection of minerals, and an extensive series of recent shells. 
The Museum is open to the public gratuitously. The 
Lecture Theatre is small but convenient, and the delivery 
of lectures is an important feature in the institution. The 
News Room is supplied with the daily papers, periodicals, 
&c. Attached to the institution is an observatory, fur- 
nished with an excellent transit instrument for observa- 
tions, with which the clock (made by Dent) is regulated. 
The anemometer on the roof of the building is self-acting, 
and the daily indications of this instrument have for 
many years been registered. 

THE POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE 

is in Steelhouse Lane. It arose from the ashes of the old 
Mechanics' Institution, which, strange to say, in a town 
like Birmingham, has ceased to exist, owing either to the 
apathetic indifference of the inhabitants of the town to in- 
tellectual improvement, or from the bad management of its 
officers: it is satisfactory to know that this existing institute 
appears to be in a nourishing condition. Classes are formed 
in all the essentials of a sound practical English course of 



24 the stranger's guide 

knowledge, and also in the Latin, German, French, and 
other languages. It possesses also an extensive library, 
at terms within the means of the humblest aspirant. Lec- 
tures are given every Tuesday evening in the theatre of 
the Philosophical Institution, Cannon Street. 

ATHENIG INSTITUTE, 

Suffolk street, established in 1848; its object being to pro- 
vide its members with the means by which may be ob- 
tained mental, moral, and physical improvement, together 
with rational amusement. 

THE EYE INFIRMARY, 

founded by Joseph Hodgson, Esq., F.R.S., in the year 
1824. It is supported entirely by voluntary contributions, 
and, with a subscription list of barely £200, relieves up- 
wards of 3000 patients in a year. There are two wards 
for the reception of patients, whose cases require par- 
ticular care, or operations for their care, in consequence 
of the very inadequate support given to the charity. The 
in-patients are subjected to a small weekly charge for 
their board. A short distance from the Eye Infirmary, in 
Little Cannon Street, stands the 

ASSAY OFFICE, 

at which articles of gold or silver, manufactured in or 
between thirty miles of Birmingham, are assayed and 
marked by proper officers. Returning into Cherry Street, 
joining Union Street, is the Midland Bank, a joint stock 
banking company ; and adjoining the bank is the office 
of the Birmingham Herald, a weekly newspaper devoted to 
advertisements. It was established on the plan of a gra- 



THROUGH BIRMINGHAM. 25 

tuitous circulation, and about five thousand five hundred 
copies are distributed each week in Birmingham, the 
towns in the neighbourhood, and the principal towns and 
cities in the kingdom. It takes no part in politics, and 
being well filled with advertisements, contains but little 
local or general news. It is published on Thursday 
morning. 

Almost opposite the bank is the Union inn, an excel- 
lent commercial house. A little below the Union is the 

BIRMINGHAM OLD LIBRARY. 

The building is of stone, and was erected in 1798. Over 
the portico is the following inscription — *' Ad mercatarum 
bonarum artium, perfectus et tibi et omnibus ditesces.'' 
The library was formed under the direction of Dr. 
Priestley. It contains upwards of twenty thousand vo- 
lumes, many of which are rare and valuable works. The 
number of subscribers (each of whom must be a share- 
holder) is between five and six hundred. The subscrip- 
tion is thirty shillings per year. Strangers to the Town, 
upon being introduced by a shareholder, are admitted 
as subscribers for one quarter. 
Adjoining the Library is the 

B8R3V82NCHAM FIRE OFFICE, 

which was established in 1805. The capital of the Com- 
pany, £300,000, was raised by three hundred shares, of 
one thousand pounds each. At the bottom of Union 
Street, on the left, is the 



There is nothing striking in the exterior of the building, 



26 the stranger's guide 

but the interior is commodious, and is well adapted for 
the humane object for which it is designed. Over the 
entrance is a piece of sculpture in relief, the work of Mr. 
H. Hollins. The Dispensary was established in 1794, 
and the object of the Charity is to relieve poor patients, 
who must be recommended by a subscriber. The 
lowest subscription is a guinea per year. There are 
two resident surgeons, a dispensary apothecary, and an 
accoucheur. Three physicians and six surgeons, also 
attend, whose services are gratuitous. Almost opposite 
the Dispensary is the office of Arts' s Birmingham Gazette, 
a weekly newspaper of Conservative politics. It is pub. 
lished every Monday morning, and is conducted with 
ability and spirit. Returning into New Street, through 
Union Passage, facing us is the 

FREE GRASV9SV8AR SCHOOL. 

This school was founded by Edward the Sixth, in 1552, the 
fifth year of his reign. The original endowment of this cha- 
rity, belonged to a building called the Guild of the Holy 
Cross, erected in 1383, valued by the commissioners of 
Henry the Eighth, at £31 annually. The present income is 
probably £7000. The first edifice was'taken down in 1707 
and another erected in its stead. This latter falling into 
decay, the Governors obtained an Act of Parliament to 
rebuild the school, and to establish branch or preparatory 
schools in various parts of the town. 

The present beautiful building was erected, from the plan 
of Mr. Barry, the architect of the New Palace at West- 
minster. The design is Gothic, with elaborate carvings, and 
seven ranges of flattish windows in front, with accompany- 
ing buttresses, pinnacles, crowns, crosses, &c, with bold 






* 




THROUGH BIRMINGHAM." 27 

bay windows at each extremity. The material employed is 
Derbyshire stone. The dimensions of the building are, one 
hundred and seventy-four feet in front, one hundred and 
twenty-five feet in the flanks, and sixty feet in height. 
The form of the building is quadrangular ; and the en- 
trance is through a spacious porch highly ornamented. Two 
large apartments, with oak pannelled walls and ceilings, are 
the school rooms for the commercial school, in which are 
215 boys ; and the classical school, in which are 255 boys, 
is 120 feet long, forty-five feet high, and thirty feet wide, 
and has a lofty angular roof supported by a series of mag- 
nificent obtuse angled arches of the Tudor style. At the 
end, where the chair of the head master is placed, is a 
handsome, lofty oak carved screen. The second master's 
chair is opposite to this, and the ushers' chairs are on the 
sides. The desks and forms for the boys occupy the in- 
termediate space, and are capable of accommodating 250 
pupils, and is worthy the inspection of the stranger. The 
cost of the building, was about £40,000. The salary of 
the head master, is £400 per year, of the second master 
£300, besides privileges of considerable value. There 
are also under masters ; salaries varying from £160 to 
£250 each. There are ten exhibitions of £50 each, at 
either of the universities. A number of gentlemen, 
elected as governors, have the management of the pro- 
perty. It contains a good library, and there is a fine bust 
of Edward VI., by Scheemaker. Besides these, there 
are four other schools, in different parts of the town, in 
which about 260 girls and nearly 500 boys receive in- 
struction. 

Standing at the school entrance and looking towards the 
Town Hall, several doors farther up the opposite side of 

d2 



28 the stranger's guide 

New Street, is the office of the Birmingham Journal, 
a newspaper of liberal principles, and conducted with 
talent, energy, and spirit of the first order, and com- 
mands a very large circulation, published on Saturday 
morning. 

Next door to the Journal Office, and opposite the in- 
tended 

RAILWAY STATION 

of the London and North Western, and Stour Valley 
Railway, is 

CORNISH BROTHERS' 
CHEAP BOOK ESTABLISHMENT, 

(the publishers of this work.) 
They will feel great pleasure in affording strangers every 
information respecting the manufactories, &c. of the Town, 
and they may add, that their establishment contains about 
50,000 volumes of books in every department of literature, 
open alike to the stranger and the inhabitant, for inspection 
or reference without charge ; an unemployed hour may 
be disposed of thus with advantage ; their stock is so 
extensive, that almost any work of name may be obtained 
at this establishment. 

Opposite Cornish Brothers is the office of the Birming- 
ham Mercury, which is carried on with great talent and 
spirit, and is issued on Saturday morning. 

Retracing our steps back past the Free GrammarSchool, 
we come to the 

HEN AND CHICKENS HOTEL, 

an elegant and modern stone building, ornamented with 



THROUGH BIRMINGHAM. 29 

a portico of the Doric order. An excellent family and 
commercial hotel, which, from its situation, is a 'great 
favourite with visitors. 

Next door to the Hen and Chickens is the old esta- 
blished and highly respectable Bank of Messrs. Att- 
wood, Spooner, and Co., the second bank that was esta- 
blished in Birmingham. In a lane, opposite the end of 
New Street is the 

COURT OF REQUESTS, 

which was established by Act of Parliament in 1752, for 
the recovery of debts not exceeding five pounds. 
Proceeding down the Bull Ring, we arrive at the 

MARKET HALL, 

which was built from|the design of Mr. Edge. It is in 
the Grecian style of architecture. The entrances are 
arched, and supported by Grecian Doric columns. Its 
length is three hundred and sixty feet ; its width one 
hundred and eight feet ; its height sixty feet. The build- 
ing is lighted by twenty-five windows on each side, with 
three at the east, and six at the west end. The hall con- 
tains accommodation for six hundred stalls. Its cost 
was about £67,261. 

Anew organisation of the Market Hall is taking place, 
when the object will be to improve its general appearance, 
and increase the accommodation, and in which the public 
will not only be supplied with the common necessaries of 
life, but with the more luxurious articles. There will be 
on either side of the High Street entrance, nineteen fruit 
shops, which will be similar to the shops in the centre 
avenue of Covent Garden Market, London. There will 



30 



THE STRANGER'S GUIDE 



be seven fish, game and poultry shops, fitted with move- 
able sashes and slabs. Twelve butcher's shops, and 
eighteen fish stalls in the centre of the hall, each of these 
stalls, as well as the fish and game shops, to be fitted with 
a water tap, and an independent drain to each, preventing 
escape into the hall of any offensive effluvia. There 
will be a fountain bason, which will contain 600 gallons 
of water. The whole of these improvements, including 
the magnificent fountain, are estimated to cost £2000. 
In the centre of the Bull Ring stands 

NELSON'S STATUE. 




This handsome work v/as executed in bronze, by West- 
macott, at an expense of about £2500. The work_ was 



THROUGH BIRMINGHAM. 31 

opened 25th Oct. 1809, being the day on which was ce- 
lebrated | the jubilee of his late Majesty George III. 
The figure rests on a round marble pedestal, which is or- 
namented with sculpture ; the left arm reclines upon an 
anchor, and the group is made up with the model of a 
ship of war. The statue is surrounded by a square of 
iron palisades, the corners of which are appropriately or- 
namented with castings of cannon. 

Below this stands the old church, (which, we have de_ 
scribed, page 50.) 

Nearly opposite the Statue, on the left, is Moor Street, 
in which on the right, is the 



which was erected in the year 1806. The front of the 
building is appropriated to the use of the Borough Ma- 
gistrates and the Commissioners of the Street Act. At 
the back is the prison, which is separated from the Public 
Office, by an extensive yard ; it has two departments, 
one for male, the other for female prisoners. Prison 
keeper, Mr. George Redfern. The Public Office is about 
to be transferred to the Corporation. 

Police Force consists of one chief superintendent, five 
inspectors, six sub inspectors, twenty-two sergeants, and 
282 constables. 

Returning into the Bull Ring, the scene of the Chartist 
riots in 1839, and passing St. Martin's, or the Old Church, 
on our left we arrive at 

SMITH FIELD MARKET. 

This fine market place was formed in 1816, on the ground 
originally, and for many centuries, occupied by the resi- 
dence of the Lords of the Manor. There are three de 



32 the stranger's guide 

partments, each of which is surrounded with a brick wall 
and palisades. The two first are reserved for cattle, the 
last for sheep and pigs. There is also another department 
allotted for the horse fair. The beast market is held on 
Thursday, and there is a hay market on Tuesday. 
A little to the left of the market, in Cheapside, are the 

INFANTRY BARRACKS, 

formerly Beardsworth's Horse and Carriage Repository. 
A spacious building, well adapted for the purpose to which 
it is now in requisition. The 

CAVALRY BARRACKS 

are in Great Brook Street, Ashted. In consequence of 
the riots in 1761, the Government determined to form in 
Birmingham a military station for the security of the 
town, and the present barracks were built in 1793. The 
barrack yard is extensive, and on each side of it are 
ranges of stabling, above which are the rooms of the sol- 
diers and non-commissioned officers. A handsome house 
is appropriated to the use of the officers. The head 
quarters of a regiment of cavalry, with three or four 
troops, are generally stationed here. The Infantry Bar- 
racks take their rise also from the emeute, in 1839, in the 
Bull Ring. Adjoining Smithfield Market, in Bradford 
Street, is the 

CIRCUS CHAPEL, 

a large cemented brick building, formerly used as the 
Amphitheatre ; and converted into a chapel, at the expense 
of £1200 ; it is well fitted up in the interior, and will seat 
800 persons, and was opened, October 24th, 1848. 



THROUGH BIRMINGHAM. 33 

Proceeding through Smithfield, Spiceall Street, and 
Edgbaston Street, at a short distance from the end of 
which, in a turning on the left, we arrive at the 

LADY WELL, 

A spring of beautifully clear, soft, and pure water, situ- 
ated near the site of the old parsonage house. From 
its name it is probable it was devoted to the Virgin Mary. 
A great part of the town is supplied with water from this 
spring, by means of carriers ; it also supplies the large 
swimming bath adjoining, called the Lady Well Baths, 
an extensive establishment, conducted by Mr. Monro, 
where there is also a ladies' bath, neatly laid with marble. 

There is a Swimming Bath in George Street, Balsall 
Heath ; the water is pure and fresh, and continually 
running. 

There are also Swimming Baths at Hunter's Lane, at 
the back of the Convent : they consist of a large and 
small swimming bath,"besides six private baths ; the water* 
beautifully clear, is supplied from a spring which pos- 
sesses medicinal qualities. 

In High Street is 

THE C©RM EXCHANGE. 

This handsome structure was built by Mr. Heming, at 
a cost of £600, was opened to the public October 25th, 
1847. The architecture of the interior is of the Italian 
Doric style, and the room covers an area of 166 feet, the 
vaulted roof is remarkably light and elegant. The annual 
subscription to each stall is £6. The supporters are the 
first corn merchants in the district. The room is admir- 
ably adapted for balls, assemblies, and public entertain- 
ments, for which purpose it is frequently engaged. 



34 thb stranger's guide 

Near the Exchange are many of the booking-offices, 
from which the omnibuses or coaches to most of the 
neighbouring districts, as Halesowen, Hagley, Stourbridge, 
Kidderminster, West Bromwich, Wolverhampton, Dud- 
ley, &c. start. Also the Bank op Messrs. Taylor and 
Lloyds, a spacious building. Further on and in Dale 
End, is the 

FISH MARKET, 

generally supplied in abundance with every variety of fish 
in season, and also -with game. 

At the end of Coleshill Street is the 

NEW MARKET HALL, BELIVSOfSET ROW. 

In consequence of the increase of population in the im- 
mediate neighbourhood, it was deemed expedient to erect 
a Market Hall here. The market is divided into com- 
partments for the sale of provisions, and a house is 
attached, in which the superintendent of the market 
resides. 

Passing up the Lower Priory we arrive at the 

OLD SQUARE. 

On or near the site of the Old Square stood the Priory 
or Hospital of St. Thomas the Apostle; a religious house 
founded at the close of the thirteenth century, and prin- 
cipally endowed by the family of the De Birminghams. 
The domain of the Priory occupied about fourteen acres, 
extending over the ground now occupied by Bull Street, 
Steelhouse Lane, Newton and John Streets. This reli- 



THROUGH BIRMINGHAM. 35 

gious house was dissolved, in common with the mon- 
asteries and other religious establishments, by Henry the 
Eighth. 
In the Square is the 



■l 

A favourite commercial house, and an excellent family 
hotel. Also the 



GAS COMPANY. 

The present company was established by Act of Par- 
liament in 1825. The extensive works of the company 
are situated at West Bromwich, whence the gas is con- 
veyed to Birmingham, a distance of about seven miles. 

In Lichfield Street, which runs from the Square, is the 

BIREVIB^CHASVI WORKHOUSE, 

which was erected in 1733 for the reception of the poor of 
the parish of Birmingham. The left wing of the building 
appropriated as a Town Infirmary, was built in 1766 ; the 
right wing consists of governor's apartments, and of rooms 
for the use of the overseers. The officers to whose ma- 
nagement the affairs are entrusted, are twelve overseers, 
and one hundred and eight guardians- The guardians are 
elected triennially ; the overseers hold office for one year 
only, one half of the bodybeing appointed every six months. 
There are also twelve assistant overseers, who are ap- 
pointed to collect the poor rates. The greatest attention 
is paid to the domestic comfort of the unfortunate indi- 
viduals who are inmates of the house. The present 



38 THE stranger's guide 

building is sadly insufficient for the increasing wants 
of the Town. Another is now being built on Birmingham 
Heath. 

Connected with the Workhouse is the 

ASYLUM. 

This excellent establishment was formed in the year 
1797, for the purpose of affording an asylum to the infant 
children of the poor. It is under the management of a 
committee of overseers and guardians. The establish- 
ment is provided with a play-ground, a bath, and a chapel 
for divine service. Those who are old enough to labour 
are employed in the light manufactures of straw plat, 
lace, and pins, which, while it adds to the funds of 
the charity, establishes in the youthful recipients habits of 
industry. 

In Summer Lane, on the left, at a short distance from 
Snow Hill, we arrive at the 

GENERAL HOSPITAL, 

a noble institution for the relief of the poor inhabitants of 
the Town. The extensive building, which is of brick, was 
commenced in the year 1766, but the funds being ex- 
hausted, the structure was delayed till 1778, when other 
subscriptions and donations were obtained, and, in 1779, it 
was opened to the public. The wings were added in 1791. 
The interior is well arranged, containing extensive wards 
for the accommodation of its sick inmates, with excel- 
lent ranges of offices, and apartments for the medical and 
other officers connected with the institution. A fine room, 
in which the committee assemble, contains a portrait by 
Sir Joshua Reynolds, of Dr. Ash, an eminent physician, 



THROUGH BIRMINGHAM. 37 

to whose exertions the establishment of the hospital is 
mainly to be attributed. It contains also a good portrait of 
the late Mr. Freer, by T. Phillips, R.A., also one of Joseph 
Hodgson, Esq., F.R.S., placed there in 1849 by public 
subscription, and a bust of the late Charles Lloyd, Esq. 
There are also busts of William Rolfe, Esq., a great 
benefactor to the charity, and the late G. Barker, Esq. 
The institution is under the management of a board of 
directors ; four physicians and four surgeons render gra- 
tuitous service ; twelve visitors are appointed to inspect 
the wards, and a clergyman of the Church of England 
officiates as chaplain. There are also a resident Physician 
and Surgeon, and an attendant Apothecary, with a steward 
and matron, who also reside at the hospital. The hos- 
pital is supported by subscription, and by funds arising 
from the triennial musical festivals. The first festival was 
held in September, 1778, at St. Philip's Church, and the 
performance, consisting of selections of sacred music, 
lasted three days. Since the completion of the Town 
Hall, they have been held there. The morning perform- 
ances are generally an oratorio of Handel, or of some 
other celebrated composer, and the evening concerts, 
consisting of selections from the compositions of foreign 
and English masters, are perhaps the most magnificent 
that are held in the kingdom. The orchestra usually 
includes the first vocal and instrumental performers in 
Europe. On the last evening a dress ball is given. The 
receipts arising from these festivals average from four to 
five thousand pounds. 

Leaving the hospital, we enter Snow Hill, at its junc- 
tion with Constitution Hill, and passing up Great Charles 
Street into Cambridge Street, arrive at 

E 



38 the stranger's guide 

THE CRESCENT, 

which was designed to be a range of lofty stone houses, 
forming a fine curve, with wings at the extremities, and 
commanding a delightful view, but it has not been com- 
pleted, a part has been bought for the Theological, and 
Junior departments of the Queen's College. There is a 
drive in front of the houses, beautified with a plantation. 

Beneath the Crescent are a series of wharfs, arranged 
along the side of the canal, and occupied by the principal 
carriers of the town. 

Passing along Cambridge Street and part of Easy Row, 
we arrive at 

BASKERV1LLE HOUSE, 

which was built by, and was for many years, the residence 
of the celebrated Baslterville. This justly celebrated man, 
whose name is associated with those of Fournier, Breit- 
kopt, Bodini, Didot, &c, as one of the true restorers of 
typographic art, has been so long and intimately asso- 
ciated with Birmingham, that our readers will excuse our 
devoting some space to a notice of the operations of his 
genius, and of the singular character of the man, as mani- 
fested in his pursuits and habits of life. 

Of a family coeval with the Conquest, John Baslcer- 
ville was born at Wolverly in Worcestershire, 1706. 
Nichols, in his Literary Anecdotes, asserts that he was 
brought up to no business, but we are told by Hutton, 
that he was trained to that of a stone-cutter, and that 
about ten years later, " he taught school in the Bull Ring 
and wrote an excellent hand," and to this proficiency in 
calligraphy, and his early pursuit of stone-cutting, may 



THROUGH BIRMINGHAM. 39 

probably be ascribed his subsequent skill and taste in the 
formation of printing type. 

Having abandoned his scholastic occupation he devoted 
himself to another branch of the art of design, and be- 
came a printer of japanned trays, in which lucrative oc- 
cupation he acquired considerable wealth, and, in 1774, 
"he took a lease of about eight acres north-west of the 
town, to which he gave the name of Easy Hill, con- 
verted it into a little Eden, and built a house in the 
centre ; but the town, as if conscious of his merit, followed 
his retreat, and surrounded it with buildings. Here he 
continued the business of a japanner for life. His car- 
riage, each panel of which was a distinct picture, and 
might be considered as the pattern-card of his trade, was 
drawn by a pair of beautiful cream-coloured horses." But 
amidst the course of increasing business, he had not neg- 
lected literature and art ; his taste for which developing 
itself, led him to devote a part of his acquired wealth to 
the improvement and perfection of their mechanical ve- 
hicles. Caslon had recently cut a variety of matrices, 
with a view of superseding by their beautiful form the 
Dutch types, till then imported into England ; and, in- 
cited by his example, Baskerville, in 1750, devoted him- 
self to the noble art, whose province and privilege it is to 
give the airy tribes of mind a permanent and material 
form, so that the wise of the earth, being dead, may yet speak 
to the eyes of generations to come. So fastidious was 
his taste, that he spent £600 before he produced one letter 
to please himself; and so entirely did he devote himself 
to his new pursuit, that, according to a letter to Sir Horace 
Walpole, he manufactured his own ink, presses, moulds 
for casting, and all the apparatus for printing. Dr. Dib- 

e 2 



40 THE STRANGER'S GUIDE 



din thus characterises his typography. " It is eminently 
beautiful ; his letters are in general of a very slender and 
delicate form, calculated for an octavo, or even a quarto, 
but not sufficiently bold to fill the space of an imperial 
folio, as is evident from a view of his great Bible. He 
united in a singularly happy manner the elegance of 
Plantin with the clearness of the Elzevers : his 4to and 
12mo Virgil, and a small prayer-book, and 12mo Horace, 
of 1762, sufficiently confirm the truth of this remark. 
He seems to have been extremely curious in the choice 
of his paper and ink, the former being the fruit of Dutch 
manufacture, and the latter partaking of a peculiarly soft 
lustre bordering upon purple. In the Italic letter, whe- 
ther capital or small, he stands unrivalled. Such ele- 
gance, freedom, and perfect symmetry, being in vain to be 
looked for among the specimens of Aldus and Colonseus." 
His talents and exertions became generally recognised, 
and his growing reputation brought him acquainted 
with Dodsley, Shenstone, Dr. Franklin, Dr. Keppis, and 
Mr. Derrick, who in a letter to the Earl of Cork, speaks 
highly of his urbanity and hospitality to strangers ; but 
it is to be regretted that his useful and ingenious pursuits 
were more productive to others than pecuniary reward to 
himself. He had obtained leave from the University of 
Cambridge to print a Bible in royal folio, and two edi- 
tions of the Common Prayer in three sizes. But for the 
permission he had to pay £20 per thousand copies of the 
Bible, £12 : 10s. for each thousand of the Prayer Book, 
and to the Stationers' Company £32, for their per- 
mission to print the Psalms, without which the Prayer 
Book would have been incomplete. A melancholy letter 
to Sir Horace Walpole is preserved, in which he com- 






THROUGH BIRMINGHAM. 41 

plains of the want of encouragement from the booksellers, 
of his wish to dispose of the whole scheme, and to with- 
draw from the business of printing, " Which," says he, 
" I am heartily tired of, and repent I ever attempted." We 
cannot read without pain, that, in case of his Bible^ot sell- 
ing, he contemplated the necessity of alienating his pa- 
trimony, which produced about £74 a j r ear, in order to 
pay off the debt incurred in printing it. 

He died without issue, January 8, 1775, leaving the bulk 
of his fortune, amounting to about £1,200, to his widow* 
who sold the stock, and retired to the house which her 
husband built. Many efforts were made to dispose of 
the types, and, after having remained on hand as lumber, 
rejected by the Universities, the London booksellers, 
and the whole commonwealth of letters, they were at last 
purchased by a literary association in Paris, for £3,700, 
for the purpose of printing a magnificent edition of Vol- 
taire, under the editorial care of Beaumarchais. In con- 
formity with his will, in which he explicitly avowed his 
total disbelief of Christianity, he was buried in a tomb of 
conical masonry, in his garden, with the following re- 
markable inscription : — " Stranger, beneath this stone, in 
unconsecrated ground, a friend to the liberties of man- 
kind, directed his body to be interred. May the example 
contribute to emancipate the mind from the fears of su- 
perstition, and the wicked arts of priestcraft." The mau- 
soleum above mentioned, was destroyed at the Birmingham 
riots in 1791 ; since when the pleasure-garden, in which 
the philosophic printer delighted, has been converted into 
wharfs. Baskerville House afterwards became the pro- 
perty of Mr. Ryland, and is now used as a manufactory. 

Facing the end of Paradise Street, stand the Offices 



42 the stranger's guide 

of the Birmingham Canal Company, behind which are 
extensive Coal and Coke Wharfs, whence the manufac- 
tories of the town derive their principal supply. 
In Paradise Street is the office of the 

BIRMINGHAM WATER WORKS. 

An Act of Parliament was obtained in 1826 for the pur- 
pose of enabling a company of shareholders to establish 
Water Works, for the better supply of water to the town. 
An extensive reservoir has been formed at Aston, which 
is principally supplied from the brooks in the neighbour- 
hood, and a powerful engine is placed there for the pur- 
pose of pumping the water from the reservoir. 

Leaving Paradise Street and continuing our walk up 
Broad Street, we pass Bindley House, the residence of 
the late Charles Lloyd, Esq., many years one of the 
principal bankers of the town. The house is at present 
occupied by a member of the family. 

A little above is the 

LYING-IN-HOSPITAL, 

an institution which owes its existence to the indefatigable 
exertions of a few charitable individuals, which exertions, 
we believe, have been amply rewarded by the support of 
the public. Nearly £1500 was received as the proceeds 
of the Town Hall Bazaar 
On the opposite side is the 

MAGDALEN ASYLUM, 

which was established in 1828. The management of this 
institution is entrusted to a committee of ladies,under whose 
care every religious and moral instruction is afforded to 
the inmates, about sixteen or seventeen in number. A 
neat chapel is attached to the building. 



THROUGH BIRMINGHAM. 43 

On the same side, near the Five Ways, is 

THE GENERAL INSTITUTION FOR THE 
BLIND, 

which was originated in July 1 846, by the benevolent efforts 
of a few ladies; through whose means instruction is afforded 
to several pupils in music and reading, on Lucas' Steno- 
graphic System, and basket-work has lately been intro- 
duced under the superintendence of qualified persons. 
Islington House, the present structure, is taken for a 
limited period, and is at present occupied to the full ex- 
tent of its accommodation, and as many more are applying 
for admission, the committee are using every endeavour 
to raise sufficient funds for the erection of a more com- 
modious building. The public are admitted to view the 
Institution on any Thursday, from twelve o'clock till four. 
Music and singing in the morning only. 

BIRMINHGAM AND EDCBASTON PRO- 
PRIETARY SCHOOL, 

was established by a body of proprietors in January, 
1838, in order to provide for their sons a school, in which 
the advantages of a classical and commercial education 
should be combined, and from which corporal punishment 
should be excluded. The shares, which are transferable, 
are £20 each, and may still be had on application to the 
committee. Proprietors have the right, under certain 
regulations, of nominating one pupil in respect of each 
share. Persons not proprietors must obtain the nomina- 
tion of a proprietor. There are eight masters besides the 
principal, the Rev. Mr. Ilingworth. 

PROTESTANT DISSENTERS' CHARITY 



in Graham Street, Newhall Hill, was established in Park 



44 



THE STRANGER S GUIDE 



Street, about 1760, and is entirely supported by voluntary 
contributions ; it is earnestly recommended to the atten- 
tion and support of the benevolent friends of education of 
all denominations. Between thirty and forty poor girls 
are clothed, educated, and fitted for service. D. R. Hill, 
Esq., was the architect of this elegant building. 

HEBREW NATIONAL SCHOOL, 




in Lower Hurst Street, is a recently erected and spacious 
building, and is under the management of the Rev. Dr. 
Raphall, whose learning and enlightened views are of 
European celebrity. 

SPRING HILL COLLEGE, 

a branch of the London University, is a Theological 
School for Independents, including also a course in Arts. 
There is a well-furnished library for the use of the 
students about twenty in number. Ground has been 
purchased at Moseley for the erection of a college, more 
spacious and convenient than the present. 
In the eastern margin of the Town is the 



THROUGH BIRMINGHAM. 45 

STATION OF THE LONDON & NORTH 
WESTERN RAILWAY COMPANY. 

There are extensive booking-offices, and a magnificent 
shed supported by cast-iron pillars. A numerous establish- 
ment of attentive servants adds greatly to the comfort of 
the traveller, who cannot fail to be pleased at the order 
which is displayed, and effective police is also established 
along the line. The large round house, seen from the 
inside of the Station, is used for the reception of the 
locomotive engines belonging to the Company. Every 
department of the railway affords a proof of the order 
with which the most extensive undertakings may be con- 
ducted by the establishment of efficient regulations, and 
by preserving a strict discipline. In 1832, after repeated 
delays, the Birmingham and London Railway Bill re- 
ceived the royal assent, Mr. Stephenson being appointed 
Engineer in Chief. The estimate of the cost of the 
railway was two million five hundred thousand pounds ; 
but owing to circumstances over which the Engineer had 
no control, such as the rise of materials, the exorbitant 
demands of landowners, through whose estate the line 
passes, and the difficulties which presented themselves 
in the tunnelling department, the cost of the whole was 
about five millions. This railway, viewed either as a 
work of great utility, or as a noble triumph of human 
art, cannot be contemplated without admiration. As a 
work of engineering, its noble viaducts, its massive 
bridges, its lofty embankments, and deep cuttings, entitle 
it to the highest rank. Our description will find a suit- 
able termination in an extract from the work of Lieut. 
Lecount, an eminent mathematician, who was employed 
on the work : " The London and Birmingham Railway 



46 THE stranger's guide 

is unquestionably the greatest work ever executed in 
ancient or modern times. If we estimate its importance 
by the labour alone which has been expended on it, per- 
haps the great Chinese, wall might compete with it. But 
when we consider the immense outlay of capital which it 
has required, the great and varied talents which have been 
in constant requisition during the whole of its progress, 
together with the unprecedented difficulties which, we are 
happy to say, are now overcome, the gigantic work of the 
Chinese sinks totally into the shade." ....." As a mode 
of viewing the magnitude of this work, let us take the cir- 
cumference of the earth, in round numbers, at one hundred 
and thirty million feet, then, as there are about four hun- 
dred millions of cubic feet to be moved in the railway, 
we see that the quantity of material alone, without look- 
ing to any thing else, would, if spread in a band one foot 
high and one foot broad, more than three times encompass 
the earth at the equator." The London and Birmingham 
Railway will remain, to many ages, an example of what 
may be accomplished by the united capital of many indi- 
viduals directed by the talent of one. 

The spacious offices of the Grand Junction Railway, 
which amalgamated with the London and Birmingham 
line in 1845, are still further on in the long range of build- 
ing which composes this general terminus. 

The royal assent was given to the Grand Junction 
Railway Bill in the year 1833, and the works were imme- 
diately commenced under the superintendence of Mr. 
Locke, the Engineer to the Company. In July 1 837, the 
line was opened for the conveyance of passengers. The 
cost of the railway was about a million and a half sterling. 
The principal works on the line are the Birmingham 



THROUGH BIRMINGHAM. 47 

Viaduct, which consists of a range of twenty-eight arches 
thrown over Lawley Street and the low ground adjoining 
the Station ; the Vale Royal Viaduct ; and the Button 
Viaduct, which crosses the beautiful valley of the Weaver. 
This Viaduct was constructed from the designs of Mr. 
Stephenson, under the direction of Mr. Locke. 

In 1847 an act was obtained to extend the London and 
North Western Railway to a new station, in the centre 
of the town, in New Street ; the new line commences a 
little eastward]"of the present station, pursues a course 
over Banbury and ;i Fazeley Streets, then passing on a 
level with Bartholomew, proceeds with a cutting through 
the burial grounds, and under High Street and Wor- 
cester Street, emerges into a space at the back of the 
Grammar School, where will be a station of magnificent 
dimensions. 

BIRMINGHAM, WOLVERHAMPTON, 
AND STOUR VALLEY RAILWAY 

is from the New Station in New Street, where it joins the 
London and North Western Railway, proceeds by tunnel 
under the Queen's College, Paradise Street, Broad Street, 
and emerges into the fields the other side of the Canal at 
the end of the Crescent, it then winds by the side of the 
Canal to Dudley, Wolverhampton, &c. 

THE SHROPSHIRE UNION RAILWAY 

Opened June 1st 1849, this railway, by which the county 
of Salop and the adjacent district are placed in direct 
communication with Birmingham, by means of the Lon- 
don and North- Western Railway, with which they join 
at Stafford. Passengers from London will now be able to 
reach Shrewsbury, 160 miles, in five hours. The line is 
to be worked by the London and North-Western Com- 



48 the stranger's guide 

pany. Special trains also run throughout the day over 
the Shrewsbury and Birmingham Line, which, in common 
•with the Shropshire Union, runs over the same ground 
as far as Wellington, by which £7000 per mile is saved to 
each company. Thence it runs for thirteen miles to 
Oaken Gates, the chief town upon the route being Shiff- 
nal, where there is a considerable viaduct and embank- 
ment. 

THE MIDLAND RAILWAY STATION 

lies in the hollow formed by the London and Birmingham 
and Grand Junction Railways. From this Station parties 
may book to Derby, Sheffield, Leeds, York, Hull, New- 
castle-on-Tyne, and Scotland. In the summer months 
cheap and delightful trips are got up on this line to Mat- 
lock and the Peak in Derbyshire. 
The offices of the 

BRISTOLAND BIRMINGHAM RAILWAY 

immediately adjoin the preceding ; by it parties can pro- 
ceed to all parts of the West of England, Devonshire, 
Cornwall, and the Southern Coast. It is now under the 
management of the Midland Company. 

BIRMINGHAM AND OXFORD, AND 

BIRMINGHAM, WOLVERHAMPTON 

AND DUDLEY RAILWAYS, 

received Parliamentary sanction in 1845. Station to be in 
Snow Hill, (see Map,) the former railway passes by tunnel 
under the back of the Blue Coat, under Dee's Hotel, High 
Street, and Cars Lane ; it then passes over the London and 
North Western extension, and thence over one of the finest 
Viaducts built, it then passes on through Solihull and Strat- 
ford-on-Avon to Oxford, where it joins the Great Western. 
The other railway proceeds by tunnel, which emerges 



THROUGH BIRMINGHAM. 49 

near Vyse Street ; when passing the Cemetery, it proceeds 
on embankments to Dudley and "Wolverhampton. 

The hotels nearest the Railway Station are The Queen's 
Hotel, once the station of the London and Birmingham 
Railway, on the most extensive and commodious prin- 
ciple, and Beech's Railway Hotel, a comfortable and 
well conducted house. 

There are also Refreshment Rooms at all the Stations. 

In 1775, a man was determined to try if a hackney* 
coach would succeed ; he had not mounted the box many 
times, before he inadvertently dropped the expression, 
" thirty shillings a day," and very soon a second rolled 
into the circus; in 1793 were augmented to fifteen, and 
there are now about 30 car stands, averaging from 3 to 10 
cars on each stand. 

CAR STANDS. 

PARES ONE SHILLING PER MILE. 

New Street. Bristol Road. 

Islington Row. Dale End. 

Five Ways. Snow Hill. 

Square. Bath Row. 

Temple Row. Spark Brook. 

Ball Ring. Pershore Road. 

Colmore Row. WellingtonRoad. 

Ann Street. Constitution Hill. 

Paradise Street. Great Charles Street. 

Hockley Hill. Graham Street. 

Aston Street. St. Martin's Church. 

Infantry Barracks. Deritend. 

Broad Street. Friday Bridge. 

Camp Hill. Vauxhall. 
Great Hampton Street. 



50 



THE STRANGER'S GUIDE 



Chapter OT. 



RELIGIOUS EDIFICES IN BIRMINGHAM. 



Having proceeded thus far, we will now turn our attention 
to the principal churches, chapels, and other edifices in 
the town dedicated to a religious purpose, commencing 
with 

SAINT MARTIN'S CHURCH. 




Although there is no doubt that the foundations of Saint 
Martin's Church are of a far more ancient date, the pre- 
sent edifice (consisting of a spacious nave, with clerestory, 
chancel, south aisle with vestry at the east end, and north 
aisle, at the west end of which stands a large massive 



THROUGH BIRMINGHAM. 51 

tower containing a peal of twelve musical bells for chimes, 
which maybe heard at 3, 6, 9,- and 12, o'clock, a.m., 3, 6, 
9, and 12, p.m., surmounted by a spire of great symmetry, 
cannot be assigned to an earlier period than the beginning 
of the thirteenth century. The interior windows of the 
belfry, as also other portions of the tower, are evidently 
of the early decorated style of architecture ; and during 
the late repairs a window or doorway of the same style 
was discovered at the west end of the south aisle. It is 
not improbable, therefore, that some portion of the church 
was erected by that Sir William de Birmingham, whose 
monument isjsituated in the south aisle. In the year 1690 
the church and tower were cased with brick. The spire 
has several times been injured by lightning and its altitude 
diminished. The meridian line on the south side of the 
tower was placed there by Ferguson the astronomer. [ 

The church was, in 1291, valued 'at seven and a half 
marks, but in the twenty-sixth year of Henry the Eighth, 
it was valued at £19. 3s. 6d. ; the living is a rectory. In 
the year 1331 Walter de Clodshale, of Saltley, gave cer- 
tain lands and messuages for the founding of a chantry at 
the altar of the Blessed Virgin, in this church, and for 
maintaining one priest to celebrate divine service there 
for the souls of himself, his wife, their ancestors, and all 
the faithful deceased. His son, Richard, gave other lands, 
&c. for the like purposes. In the twenty-sixth year of 
Henry the Eighth the value of the lands and tenements 
was esteemed at a hundred and one shillings : Sir Thomas 
Allen and Sir John Greve, priests, being wardens thereof. 
A chapel must have been attached, as we find Richard de 
Clodshale, who served as sheriff for this county and Lei- 
cestershire in 1426, by his testament bearing date at 

f 2 



52 



THE STRANGER'S GUIDE 



Edgbaston, 1428, bequeathed his body to sepulture in the 
church, "within his own proper chapel of Our Lady," 
constituting the Duke of Bedford one of his executors. 

During the year 1846, through the exertions of Mr. H. 
M. Blews, the restoration of the ancient monuments of 
the " Lords of Birmingham " has been effected. As they 
are exceedingly curious we intend giving them more than 
a cursory description. 




The most ancient is situated in the fifth window open- 
ing of the south aisle ; it is the effigy of a knight, cross- 
legged and recumbent, lying on a coffin-shaped slab, gra- 
dually rising on each side to an obtuse angle or ridge ; his 
armour consists of a hooded hawberk, or tunic and 
chausses, or breeches of mail ; over the hawberk appears 
a long loose surcoat, or linen frock, encircled above the hip 
by a belt ; the left leg crosses the right, and in front of 
each leg, from the knee to the instep, is an iron greave ; 



THROUGH BIRMINGHAM. 53 

a shield, charged with a bend lozenge, is attached to the 
left arm, and his hands are joined in prayer. It is sup- 
posed to represent Sir William de Birmingham, who bore 
for his arms the charge which appears on the shield. We 
find him in the year 1297 in the service of his sovereign, 
Edward the First, under the command of the Earl of 
Lincoln, who, attempting to relieve Bellegard, then be- 
sieged by the French, was defeated by the besiegers, and 
the earl, together with Sir William, eight more knights, 
and very many esquires, were taken prisoners and carried 
in great triumph to Paris. He died in the latter part of 
Edward the First's reign. .The design of the tomb on 
which the effigy is placed is from one of the same period 
in Moccas Church, Hertfordshire. It was furnished by 
M. H. Bloxam, Esq., of Rugby. 

The next monument in antiquity is situated in the west 
window of the south aisle. From the porous nature of the 
stone, and its extreme dilapidation, a perfect restoration 
of this was prevented. It is supposed to be the effigy of 
William de Birmingham, a man of great repute in the 
time of the second and third Edwards. 

We return to the south aisle, and notice next a high 
altar tomb of alabaster, divided into compartments, on 
which is the effigy of a knight in plate armour ; he wears 
on his head a basinet ; the tilting helmet appears beneath 
the head of the effigy in a mutilated condition ; attached 
to the basinet is a camail, or tippet of chain mail. The 
shoulders are protected by epaulieres, the upper arms by 
rerebraces, and the lower by vambraces, the wrists and 
hands by gauntlets. Over the hawberk of mail is a breast- 
plate covered by the jupon, a short and close fitting surcoat, 
charged with armorial bearings. The thighs are encased 



54 



THE STRANGER'S GUIDE 



in cuisses, the knees protected by plain caps, the legs in 
jambs, and the feet by sollerets. Round the body is worn 







a rich bawdrick, or belt, and the feet rest on the effigy of 
a lion. The slab on which the effigy reclines is of the form 
termed en dos dane. It is presumed to represent John de 
Birmingham, who bore for his arms partie per pale, in- 
dented argent^ and sable, which charge appears on the 
jupon of the effigy, and who, in the year 1379, was sheriff 
of this county and Leicestershire ; he was one of the 
knights of the shire in the parliament held at Westminster 
in 1382, and a commissioner for raising power against the 
rebels, i. e. the followers of John Wickliffe. To this John 
de Birmingham we are indebted for the erection of one ot 
the most splendid specimens of ecclesiastical architecture, 
viz. the two western towers of York Cathedral, which were 
built by him about the year 1402. 

The most interesting of these monuments is the eiiigy 
of an ecclesiastic, placed upon a high tomb of alabaster, 



THROUGH BIRMINGHAM. 



55 



divided into seven compartments, each consisting of a 
pointed arch flanked by small pinnacled buttresses. Be. 
neath each arch, on a small projecting bracket, stands the 
figure of an angel, clad in an alb, with outstretched wings, 
supporting in his arms a shield. The priest is vested as 
a canon of some cathedral, or member of a collegiate or 
conventional foundation, in the choir habit ; his hands are 
joined on the breast in prayer ; his under robe consists of 
a long scarlet coloured cassock, the skirts and sleeves of 
which are visible about the feet and wrists •, over this is 
worn a vestment (the surplice), above which appears the 
almucium, or aumasse, a furred tippet and hood, covering 




the shoulders and breast, with broad pendant bands hang- 
ing down in front. The attire is precisely the same 
(allowing for the change of fashion in the different arti- 
cles) as that prescribed to be worn, and worn at the 
present time by many of the clergy of the Church of Eng- 



56 



THE STRANGER S GUIDE 



land ; for they wear, as a clerical habit, the cassock, as a 
vestment the surplice, and, as a denotation of rank, the 
scarf; this is, in reality, the tippet, answering to the 
ancient aumasse, or tippet of fur, which continued to be 
worn by bishops, and other dignitaries of the church, in 
the reign of Elizabeth, when it was superseded by a simi- 
lar habit of silk, the precursor of the present scarf. Mr. 
Bloxam has assigned the date to the latter part of the 
fifteenth century, and considers it one of the most curious 
monumental effigies extant. The church will hold two 
thousand. 

Rector . . . Rev. J. C. Miller, M.A. 

SA8NT PHILIPS CHURCH 




Is judiciously placed in an open area of about four acres, 
and the most elevated spot in the town. The walks through 
the churchyard are railed off from the tombs with neat 



THROUGH BIRMINGHAM. 57 

palisades, and double rows of lime trees ornament the 
boundary walk. The ground now occupied by the church 
and churchyard, and that upon which the Blue Coat 
School stands, was the gift of Mrs. Elizabeth Phillips, and 
her daughter and son-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. William Inge. 
The church, a beautiful piece of architecture, is about a 
hundred and forty feet long, and seventy-five feet broad. 
The stone of which the church is built is not good ; but, 
as Mr. Hutton truly observes, "it is rather a misfortune 
to be lamented than an error to be complained of, the 
country producing no better." The church was com- 
menced in 1711, and was consecrated in 1715. It is built 
in the mixed Italian style, and is much admired by ar- 
chitects. Its pedestal line, its lofty pilasters, its handsome 
balustrade, its well proportioned tower and cupola, have a 
pleasing effect. In the tower is a ring of ten bells and 
chimes. The interior of the church, which will contain 
1800 persons, is very handsome ; lofty arches support the 
roof. There are two side and one end galleries, which 
are well lighted, and commodiously fitted up with pews, 
as is the body of the church. The triennial musical 
festivals for the benefit of the hospital were, previous to 
the erection of the Town Hall, generally held in this 
church. From the top of the tower a fine view is ob- 
tained of the town and neighbourhood. At the corner 
of the churchyard is the Parsonage House, the resi- 
sidence of the rector, the Hon. and Rev. Grantham 
Yorke, a gentleman, whose charitable, active, and perse- 
vering exertions in improving his parish, are meeting with 
great success. In the parsonage house is a Theological 
Library, bequeathed by the Rev. William Higgs, about 
a century since, for the use of the clergy of the neigh- 
bourhood. 



58 



THE STRANGER'S GUIDE 



SAINT PETER'S CHURCH, 

Dale End. This church is built in the Grecian style of 
architecture. A massive portico of the tetrastyle Doric 
order, supported by four columns, forms the entrance. 
An octagonal turret rises above the roof. This is one of 
those built by the Commissioners appointed for building 
new churches. The first stone was laid in 1825, and the 
church was opened for divine service in 1827. A few years 
ago, the whole of the interior was consumed by fire. The 
altar piece is "The Ascension," by Messrs. Pemberton, of 
Newhall Hill. The benefice is a perpetual curacy, in the 
presentation of the rector of Saint Philip's. 

CHRIST CHURCH, 




New Street. This excellent and useful place of worship 



THROUGH BIRMINGHAM. 59 

■was commenced in 1805, but the funds being found inade- 
quate, the building was not finished till 1815. The ar- 
chitecture is Grecian. It is built of stone, and possesses 
a lofty portico and spire. The interior is tastefully fitted 
up ; the body of the church being provided with free seats 
for the accommodation of the poor. The altar piece is of 
carved mahogany, supporting a painting of a cross, sur- 
rounded by clouds. Beneath the church are catacombs 
used for interment. The land was presented by William 
Phillipe Inge, Esq., the executors of Isaac Hawkins, Esq. 
gave £1000, and a donation of £1000 was given by His 
Majesty George III, who it was expected would have laid 
the first stone, but he was prevented by illness. The 
ceremony was performed by Richard Bratchett, Esq., the 
High Bailiff of the town. Rev. Mr. Lea, curate. 

SAINT THOIVf AS J S, 

Holloway Head. The front of this edifice, which is built 
in the Grecian style, is almost semi-circular. Over the 
portico is a tower 130 feet high. It is ornamented with 
six chaste Ionic columns. The eastern end is also orna- 
mented with Roman Ionic columns supporting a pediment. 
The church will contain about two thousand four hundred 
persons ; one thousand four hundred of whom are pro- 
vided with free sittings. This is the third church erected 
in the town by the King's Commissioners. It was conse- 
crated in 1829. Rev. G. S. Bull, rector. 

SAINT BARTHOLOMEW'S. 

This church was built of brick in 1749, on land presented 
by John Jennens, Esq. It is a very plain building, but an 
altar piece graces the interior ; it was the gift of the Earl 
of Denbigh : the communion plate was presented by Mrs. 



60 THE STRANGER'S GUIDE 

Mary Careless. A remarkable circumstance connected 
with the church is, that the chancel points to the north 
instead of being placed due east. Rev. D. Long, Curate. 

SAINT MARY'S, 

which is built of brick, is of an octagonal form, and is 
devoid of architectural beauty or embellishment. The 
interior of the church is spacious, well fitted up, and 
contains a fine organ. It was erected in 1774, in pur- 
suance of an Act passed in 1772, for the erection of two 
additional chapels in Birmingham. The land was presented 
by Mrs. Weaman, in whom the right of presentation was 
vested. Rev. J. C. Barratt, Rector. 

SAINT JOHN'S, 

Deritend. This church was founded in the year 1381 ; 
but the ancient building having fallen to decay, the body 
of the present structure, which is a commodious place of 
worship, was built of brick in 1735, and in 1762, a square 
brick tower was added, at the west end, wherein eight 
bells and a clock was fixed in 1777. It is a chapel of ease 
for the parish of Ashton, and is capable of holding seven 
hundred persons. Rev. W. B. Smith, Incumbent. 

SAINT JAMES'S, 

Ashted. This place of worship was formerly the residence 
of the celebrated Dr. Ash, by whom it was erected ; being 
purchased by an attorney in 1789, he transformed the 
house into a church. The burial ground was attached in 
1810, in which year the church was consecrated by the 
Bishop of the Diocese. Rev. F. Allport, Incumbent. 

HOLY TRINITY CHAPEL, BORDESLEY, 

on the top of Bradford k Street. This beautiful edifice 
was built from the design of Mr. Godwin, of London. It 
is faced with stone, and is a fine specimen of Gothic archi- 



THROUGH BIRMINGHAM. 61 

tecture ; the noble arch, which forms the entrance, con- 
stitutes its finest feature ; and at the eastern end is a 
large and beautiful window. The church contains a fine 
organ, and a beautiful altar piece, painted by Foggo, 
representing Christ healing the paralytic at the pool of 
Bethesda. The church was consecrated in 1823, and con- 
tains 1821 sittings. The whole of the gallery is free. The 
Rev. J. Oldknow, Incumbent. 

BISHOP RYDER'S CHURCH, 

near Gosta Green. The dense and increasing population 
of this part of the town, which was not supplied with any 
place of worship, attracted the attention of the late Bishop 
Ryder, by whose example and influence subscriptions 
were raised for building the present church, which bears 
the name of the inestimable man, through whose exertion 
it was erected. This is a neat structure of brick, edged 
with stone and the tower lofty, seats are provided for the 
poor, and near to the church is one of the branch schools 
of the Free Grammar School. 

SAIftfiT PAUL'S, 

in St. Paul's Square. The body of the church was built in 
1779, and has nothing striking in its architecture; but the 
spire is one of great beauty, built from the design of Mr. 
Goodwyn. For want of funds the spire was not erected 
until 1 823. A beautiful window of painted glass ornaments 
the eastern end of the church, by Egginton, which cost four 
hundred guineas. The subject represents the Conversion 
of St. Paul. The land was presented by Charles Colmore, 
Esq. The neat burial ground, which surrounds the chapel, 
is ornamented with rows of trees, which add to the appear- 
ance of the whole. Rev. G. B. P. Latimer, Incumbent. 

G 



62 



THE STRANGER S GUIDE 






SAINT CEORCE s S CHURCH, 




near Tower Street ; is a beautiful specimen of the deco- 
rated Gothic architecture, built from the design of Messrs. 
Rickman and Hutchinson. At the west end rises a tower, 
which, to the top of the pinnacles, is 114 feet high. The 
galleries are supported on iron shafts, and the com- 
munion is ornamented with a fine altar piece, over which 
is a window of tracery work, decorated with painted glass. 
The first stone of the church was laid in 1820, by the 
Commissioners appointed under the Act of Parliament 
for erecting churches; and the church was opened for 
divine service in 1822. It "contains about 2000 sittings, 
of which 1400 are free. Rev. J. Garbett, Rector. m 



THROUGH BIRMINGHAM. 



63 



SAINT MATTHEW'S, 

Duddeston-cum-Neehells. This church was the first built 
by a society formed in 1838-9 to build ten churches. But 
only half that number will be obtained. It is placed at 
the east end of Great Lister Street, in nearly a direct line 
eastward from the Square, near Bull Street, and on the 
Castle Bromwich Road. It is of brick, in the Gothic style, 
with lancet windows, and a tower and spire. It accom- 
modates about one thousand, including free and children's 
seats. It was consecrated in October, 1840. The trustees 
and patrons are the Bishop of Worcester, the Vicar of 
Aston, Lord Calthorpe, John O. Bacchus, and William 
Chance, Esquires. By these patrons the Rev. George 
Stringer Bull was appointed incumbent in 1840. Since 
then a"4egal district for ecclesiastical purposes has been 
assigned, containing now 11,000 inhabitants of the borough. 
Schools for daily instruction of infants, girls, boys, and 
adults, and Sunday schools, have been formed, and about 
one thousand young persons weekly attend them. The 
population of the district consists principally of the labour- 
ing classes. 

ALL SAINTS'. 

An elegant structure at Birmingham Heath, opened in 1833 

SAINT MARK'S, 

in King Edward Street, Summer Hill, one of the new 
churches recently erected. 

SAINT STEPHEN'S, 

Newtown Row, is fourth of the ten new churches proposed 
to be erected by the Rev. John Garbett, Rural Dean ; it 
is built in the Gothic style of architecture — cost £3220. 
A steeple is yet to be added, at a cost of £700. It will 

g 2 



64 THE STRANGER'S GUIDE 

accommodate one thousand persons, of which number five 
hundred are free. Consecrated July 23, 1844. Popula- 
lation of the parish assigned to it is nine thousand, which 
formerly was a part of St, George's parish, but divided by 
Sir Robert Peel's Act for the better spiritual provision of 
large parishes. 

SAINT LUKE'S, 

in the Bristol Road, is built in the Norman style of archi- 
tecture. It consists of three aisles ; the tower is placed at 
the west angle of the church. There is a fine stained glass 
window, by the eminent Messrs. C. & F. Pemberton, of 
Newhall Hill. There are about one thousand sittings, 
nearly five hundred of which are free. It Avas erected by 
the Birmingham Church Building Society. At the rear of 
the church are extensive Sunday and day schools. Rev. 
J. O. Oldham, Incumbent. 

SAINT ANDREW'S, 

is a beautiful edifice of the later English style of architec- 
ture. It consists of a nave, chancel, and north aisle. The 
tower surmounted with a spire, is situated at the north 
west angle. In the west end of the church is a beautiful 
stained glass window, from the design of R. Carpenter, Esq. 
This parish was formed in 1846, under the Act denominated 
Sir Robert Peel's Act, for the better spiritual provision of 
large parishes. 

ROMAN CATHOLIC CATHEDRAL- 

dedicated to St. Chad, who was Bishop of Lichfield in the 
seventh century, stands at the junction of Bath Street and 
Shadwell Street. It is built of brick, with stone dress- 
ings, after the example of many continental churches. The 
interior height is 75 feet, its length, with the porch in- 



THROUGH BIRMINGHAM. 65 

eluded, 156 feet, and its width 58 feet. The nave is divided 
from the aisles by twelve clusters of pillars, six on each 
side, from the capitals of which a series of pointed arches 
spring completely up to the roof, without any break for a 
triforium, or clerestory, thus forming the loftiest range of 
arches in the kingdom. A handsome screen, surmounted 
by the holy rood, divides the choir from the nave, and a 
similar, though richer description of screen, partitions off 
the Lady Chapel, or Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament, 
from the top of the north aisle. The windows in the choir 
and down the sides, with the exception of those in the 
transepts, are long lancets, divided each into two bays •, 
while the west window, and the windows of the transepts, 
are very large apertures, distributed each into six compart- 
ments, affording great facilities for the display of stained 
glass. Some good specimens of this description of orna- 
ment are already to be found in the choir, representing 
ancient Saxon Saints ; in the Lady Chapel, where the 
Blessed Virgin stands in glory between St. Cuthbert and 
St. Chad ; and in the north transept, where St. James, 
St. Thomas, and St. Patrick, are accompanied by the 
leading features in their history. Among the antiquities 
of the cathedral may be mentioned the pulpit, an elaborate 
carving in oak of the sixteenth century ; and an episcopal 
throne and stalls of the fifteenth century. All these are 
either of Flemish or German workmanship. Beneath the 
cathedral is a crypt, or undercroft, dedicated to St. Peter^ 
and divided into separate chauntries, which subserve the 
double purpose of oratories and burial places for the dead. 
Besides the principal chauntry or chapel, three others are 
already fitted up, one (St. John the Baptist's) for Mr. 
Hardman's family ; another (St. James's) for Mr. Ware- 
ing's; and the third (St. John the Evangelist's) for Mr. 



66 THE stranger's guidb 

Poncia's. There is mass in one or other of these chaun- 
tries every Monday and Friday morning at half-past seven. 
The hours for mass in the cathedral are — every morning 
at seven, and on Sundays at seven, quarter-past nine, and 
eleven o'clock, the one at eleven being the high mass. 
The vespers, followed by benediction, are at half-past six 
on Sundays, and there is a public service every Monday 
and Thursday evening at half-past seven. The side doors 
of the cathedral are opened, for private devotion, every 
morning and evening at six o'clock ; but visitors wishing 
to enter the church during the day must apply to the 
sacristan, who lives near the north door in Shadwell 
Street. 

BISHOP'S HOUSE. 

Nearly opposite the west front of the cathedral, in Bath 
Street, is the residence of the Bishop and such clergy- 
men as are employed about St. Chad's. The entrance is 
through an arched doorway into a short cloister, which 
communicates on one side with the kitchen offices, and an 
almonry for the poor, and on the other with the private 
and public rooms of the establishment. In the second or 
principal story are found the Bishop's apartments, the 
library, Ihe domestic chapel, and the refectory, or common 
hall, which is an apartment about thirty feet long, and is 
built and decorated in the style of a college hall Most 
of these rooms are stencilled with various devices, have 
carved fire-places, and are enriched with stained glass. 
The present Bishop is Right Rev. Dr.. Ullathorne, and 
the clergy residing with him, are Very Rev. Dr. Weedall, 
Rev. B. Ivers, Rev. T. Leith, and the Rev. Mr. O'Neil. 



THROUGH BIRMINGHAM. 67 

CONVENT OF SISTERS OF MERCY, 

By " Sisters of Mercy " is meant a community of ladies, 
who, having voluntarily forsaken the world, live in one 
common house, and labour together for the spiritual and 
temporal good of their destitute fellow creatures. They 
have a convent in Hunter's Lane, within a mile of the 
centre of the town, which was provided for their accom- 
modation, by the late John Hardman, Esquire. It is 
constructed of brick, with stone doorways, windows, &c, 
and resembles, in form and character, the conventual 
buildings of the middle ages. It consists of chapel, 
cloisters, oratory, cemetery, refectory, reception room, 
cells, and community room for the religious, and kitchen 
offices. The chapel is laid with encaustic tiles, and 
highly ornamented with painting and coloured glass. An 
open screen divides the chapel into two parts ; in the in- 
terior of which are two ranges of stalls for the religious. 
Niches filled with ancient carvings, representing chiefly 
circumstances in our Lord's history, break the long line of 
the cloister walls. 

HOUSE OF MERCY. 

At a short distance from the convent, and united to it by 
a very picturesque cloister, is the House of Mercy, which 
was erected at almost the sole expense of the sisterhood. 
In it poor destitute young women are entertained, if they 
can bring with them a good character ; and they are 
boarded, clothed, and provided with work until proper 
situations can be procured for them. They are main- 
tained, during their residence in the house, partly by 
their labour, and partly by the alms of visitors and other 
friends ; and it is the study of their superiors to teach 



68 THE stranger's guide 






them habits of steadiness, sobriety, industry, cleanliness, 
and docility. They have every facility afforded them for 
improving themselves and learning useful "arts. There is 
an excellent laundry, washhouse, drying room, work- 
room, bakehouse, and kitchen. There are several well 
aired extensive dormitories ; and medicines are prepared, 
under the direction of an experienced physician, in a dis- 
pensary on the premises. The number of young women 
in the house is usually about sixty, including eight or ten 
orphan children, who reside permanently in the house. 
Servants are sent from this establishment all over the 
kingdom, and applications may be made for the purpose 
either personally or by letter. But strangers who wish 
merely to inspect either this institution or the convent, 
must first of all procure a recommendation from one of the 
Roman Catholic clergymen of the town. As, however, the 
object of this arrangement is only to secure the convent 
from impertinent intruders, the application of a respect- 
able person, on giving his name and address, either at St. 
Chad's or St. Peter's, is immediately attended to. It maybe 
as well, however, to add, that visitors are not admitted on 
Sundays nor during Lent or Advent. A beautiful little 
church has recently been added to the conventual build- 
ings, to which the public may have access every morning 
at seven o'clock, on Sundays at half past ten and four 
o'clock, and on Thursday evenings at five ; it is enriched 
with some exquisite stained glass, by Mr, Hardman, from 
designs by Mr. Pugin. 

SAINT PETER'S, BROAD STREET, 

Is a plain brick structure — Mass and service as at St 
Chads. Rev. G. Jeffries, Minister. 



THROUGH BIRMINGHAM. 69 

THE ORATORY, ALCESTER STREET, 

The congregation of the Oratory is a society of priests 
and laymen, living together under the rule of St. Philip 
Neri, the apostle and patron of Rome. The priests are 
called fathers of the Oratory , the rest brothers ; and 
those not intended for holy orders, are called lay brothers. 
The object of the society is to win persons to the frequent- 
ation of the sacraments, and the practice of religion by means 
of frequent and popular services, consisting of sermons, 
litanies, hymns and music. The word oratorio is derived 
from the practice of sacred music at these oratories. The 
members of the congregation in Birmingham, are the first 
who have established themselves in this country. The 
society at present consists of nine fathers and brothers, and 
seven lay brothers. The father superior is the Rev. J. H. 
Newman, formerly fellow of Oriel College, Oxford. The 
Sunday services are, a series of masses from seven till half- 
past twelve o'clock ; Rosary at three o'clock, and Bene- 
diction at seven ; on Wednesdays masses from seven till 
nine ; Lecture every evening (except Saturday,) at eight 
o'clock. 

FRIENDS' MEETING HOUSE, 

in Bull Street, is a plain building, possessing a neat inte- 
rior ; at the back is a cemetery. The Society of Friends, 
though not a numerous body, contains members of great 
respectability. 

CARR'S LANE CHAPEL 

was originally built in 1748. It was entirely rebuilt in 
1802, and the present fine structure, with an imposing 
front, in the Grecian style, was erected in 1820. It is 
under the ministry of the Rev. J. Angel James. The con- 



70 the stranger's guide"' 

gregation is numerous and highly respectable. A spacious 
building has been erected at the back of the chapel, for 
school-rooms, &c. 

NEW JERUSALEM CHURCH, 

Summer Lane. The members of the New Church, or the 
New Jerusalem Church, are receivers of the doctrines 
of the word of God as expounded in the writings of the 
Hon. E. Swedenbo'rg, a Swedish nobleman, "as distin- 
guished for his profound learning as he was illustrious for 
his attainments in philosophy and science. A small so- 
ciety, in connexion with this increasing and respectable 
body of Christians, was first established in Birmingham 
about fifty -five years ago. In the year 1830, the society, 
under their present minister, the Rev. E. Madeley, erected 
for themselves a handsome and commodious structure, in 
Summer Lane, which is called the New Jerusalem Church, 
capable of accommodating about six hundred hearers. In 
the year 1833, a large day school was built, adjoining the 
church, for the instruction of children of all denomi- 
nations, which is supported by voluntary contributions, 
and a trifling payment from the scholars, aided by a small 
annual grant from the General Conference of the New 
Church. The number of scholars is upwards of two hun- 
dred. The Sunday Schools belonging to this church, 
contain about three hundred boys and girls, instructed 
gratuitously by about thirty teachers. To these schools 
there are attached libraries, a provident institution^ a 
clothing club, &c. 

THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, BROAD 
STREET, 

is an elegant edifice in the Italian style of architecture, 
with a handsome tower and belfry. The foundation stone 
was laid July 24, 1848, by C. Cowan, Esq.,M.P. ; Edin- 




K tq 



g H g 

s £ » 

« Vj o 



THROUGH BIRMINGHAM. 



71 



burgh ; and in the evening of that day an interesting meet- 
ing of the congregation was held in the Corn Exchange, 
when addresses were delivered by the Rev. J. C. Miller, 
M.A., Rector of St. Martin's, Dr. Cooke of Belfast, Rev. 
James Hamilton, Regent Square, London, Rev. J. Angel 
James of Carrs Lane, and others. The church is tastefully 
lighted from the roof, with good effect, and the interior 
on the whole has a very handsome appearance. There 
are 900 sittings provided, and with side galleries, which 
may be erected hereafter, a thousand and sixty may be 
accommodated. The Rev. J. R. Mackenzie, M.A., is the 
pastor, who was member of the General Assembly, in 
Scotland, which, under Dr. Chalmers, founded the Church 
of Scotland. An Infant School has been built at the end of 
Cumberland Street, by the liberal and respectable congre- 
gation, and ground has been purchased for the erection of 
Juvenile Schools, in order to convey, at a low rate, a sub- 
stantial and scriptural education, after the Scotch model, 
and in harmony with the doctrines of the Westminster 
Confession of Faith. 

THE ©LO MEETS SMC, 

in Old Meeting Street, was originally built in 1689, de- 
stroyed in the riots of 1791, and rebuilt in 1794. Attached 
are schools and a library, formed on most liberal prin- 
ciples, and which have effected a great deal of good among 
the working classes. Rev. Hugh Hutton, Minister. 

THE NEW MEETING, 

in Moor Street, built in 1692, and destroyed by the riots, 
and the present edifice was erected in 1802. It is attended 
by Unitarians ; attached are schools, and a library. It was 
in the old building, that the celebrated and learned Dr, 
Priestley preached. Rev. S. Bache, Minister. 



72 the stranger's guide 

CANN©SHI STREET CHAPEL, 

was erected for the Particular Baptists, in 1738, enlarged 
in 1780, and rebuilt in 1806. The Rev. T. Swan is the 
regular Minister. 

CHURCH OF THE SAVIOUR, 

This church was opened in August, 1847. Though 
plain outwardly, its interior is, (next to the Town Hall,) 
the most beautiful of its style in Birmingham. It has 
many improvements upon the common type of chapels. 
It is lighted wholly from above, has no side galleries, open 
benches instead of pews, and an elegant platform in place of 
a pulpit. It is, however, chiefly remarkable as being in con- 
nexion with no sect. The congregation is composed of per- 
sons between whom many differences of theological opinion 
exist. Its members do not think that agreement of intel- 
lectual conviction is the true basis of Christian union ; that 
that basis should not be dogmatic, but moral and spiritual. 
They strive to realize outwardly that communion of Chris- 
tians of every sect, which has been admitted to have had 
an invisible existence, by the best men of every age. The 
minister is Mr. George Dawson, M.A. 

THE JEWS' SYNAGOGUE 

is in Severn Street. Services commence at half-past 
eight during the winter months, and eight in the 'summer, 
one in the afternoon, and at sunset. One of the Burial 
Places is near Bath Row, and the other near the 
Worcester Canal. 

THE WESLEYANS 

have seven or eight large chapels in various part3 
of the town. Of these, Belmont Row Chapel may 
be regarded as the p arent, although Cherry Street and 



THROUGH BIRMINGHAM. 73 

Wesley are of more ample dimensions. The town is 
divided into two circuits by this body ; the west cir- 
cuit numbering about 2000 members, and the east 1700. 
Cherry Street Chapel is at the head of the former, and 
Belmont Row of the latter. Each chapel has its Sabbath 
Schools, and Day Schools, connected with it, giving edu- 
cation on the aggregate, to some thousands of children. 
In addition to the Wesleyan-Methodist Society, properly 
so called, there are in this town, as in most other English 
towns, chapels connected with the New Connexion Me- 
thodists, the Primitive Methodists, and the Association 
Methodists ; these too have their schools in connection 
with them. The chapel in Unett Street represents the 
New Connection, and is large and commodious ; that in 
Bath Street, the Association ; and that in Oxford Street? 
the Primitive Methodists. 



Chapter BHHF. 

ITS MANUFACTURES. 

As the stranger to our town may rely upon receiving from 
the heads of those establishments of which we give a de- 
scription, the utmost courtesy and attention, it cannot be 
doubted that he will leave Birmingham with an over- 
whelming admiration of the skill and industry of its in- 
habitants as well as of the splendour of its productions. 

PRINCE ALBERT'S VISIT. 

On Wednesday, November 29th, 1844, Prince Albert 

H 



74 THE stranger's guide 

honoured Birmingham with his presence, and in order to 
give His Royal Highness every facility for inspecting the 
lions of the town, arrangements were made on a grand 
scale for his proper reception, as well as a committee of 
gentlemen appointed personally to attend the Prince during 
the period of his stay. 

The principal object of the Prince's visit was to inspect 
the manufactories. He was accompanied by the Hon. G. 
E. Anson, and Colonel Bouverie ; and, in alighting at the 
terminus of the Birmingham and Derby Railway, was 
received by the Earl of Warwick, the Lord Lieutenant of 
the county, Colonel Thorn, the Military Commandant ot 
the district, and the Mayor and Corporation of the town. 

The first establishment His Royal Highness visited, was 
the extensive Glass Works of Messrs. Bacchus and Son 
and after observing the various modes of blowing, heating, 
cutting, and pressing glass, and attentively viewing the 
show rooms of the establishment, His Royal Highness 
proceeded to the Rolling Mills of Messrs. Muntz, which 
he inspected with evident satisfaction ; after which His 
Royal Highness visited the celebrated Papier Machee es- 
tablishment of Messrs. Jennens and Bettridge, and, on 
being shewn the various stages of this beautiful manufac- 
ture, seemed equally pleased and delighted at the variety 
of tasteful and useful purposes to which it was applied ; 
the show-room contained specimens of work tables, chairs 
folding screens, cabinets, work boxes, desks, picture frames, 
and various^ other articles. On leaving Messrs. Jennens 
and Bettridge, with whose establishment the Prince ex- 
pressed ^himself much delighted, His Royal Highness 
proceeded^to the extensive Gun and Sword Blade Manu- 
factory of Messrs. Sargant, where the process of rolling 



THROUGH BIRMINGHAM. 75 

gun barrels, and turning and boring them by steam ma- 
chinery, is carried on. The highly finished and perfect 
style in which the barrel was turned out excited the ad- 
miration of the Prince, who examined, with the judgment 
of a connoisseur and the eye of a sportsman, the smooth 
and glassy surface of a variety of guns which had just been 
completed for Government. On His Royal Highness 
entering and leaving the yard, the workmen, among whom 
were several Waterloo heroes, fired a royal salute. 

Leaving the Messrs. Sargant's, His Royal Highness 
proceeded to the Electro Plating Establishment of Elking- 
ton, Mason, and Co. Here also His Royal Highness 
seemed much pleased, and particularly interested in the 
various processes of electro plating. 

The last establishment His Royal Highness visited was 
Mr. Armfield's Button Manufactory in Newhall Street, 
where were presented to his notice many objects of inte- 
rest ; after which the Prince entered the Town Hall, which 
was crowded within and surrounded without by a multitude 
of persons anxious to have a glimpse at His Royal High- 
ness. Mr. Stimpson, the organist, fully displayed the 
powers of the organ, by playing " God save the Queen," 
" Luther's Hymn," a voluntary, &c. His Royal High- 
ness remained from a quarter to half an hour in the hall, 
with the noble proportions of which, as well with the power 
and flexibility of its magnificent organ, he expressed his 
high gratification. 

On leaving the hall, His Royal Highness proceeded to 
the Free Grammar School, where an elegant collation was 
provided by the Head Master, the Rev. J. P. Lee, (now 
Bishop of Manchester), and after inspecting the miuutics 
of the School, His Royal Highness proceeded to the Rail- 

h 2 



76 the stranger's guide 

way Station, and left Birmingham for Drayton Manor, 
with the good and loyal wishes of the whole of the inhabi- 
tants, whose hearts, his noble and courteous bearing, had 
filled with admiration and respect. 

SKETCH OF THE PRINCIPAL MANUFAC- 
TORIES. 

In proceeding to notice the manufactories, show rooms, 
&c, of this town and neighbourhood, we begin with the 

CAMBRIDGE STREET WORKS, 
the extensive and excellent establishment of R. W. Winfield, 
which are situated at the upper end of Great Charles Street. 
This is one of the largest manufactories in Birmingham, 
and forms a considerable ornament to that part of the town 
in which it is situated. Here upwards of four hundred 
men receive constant employment, and the order, regula- 
rity, and system preserved throughout the whole are justly 
celebrated. The various processes in the manufactory are 
very interesting, and the different show rooms contain many 
beautiful specimens. Metallic bedsteads of every descrip- 
tion are here manufactured. Mr. Winfield is the pro- 
prietor of the original patent for the construction of these 
articles, and the patentee and inventor of several improve- 
ments in them. Bedsteads, from the common stump? 
suitable for workhouses, asylums, and public institutions, 
to the most elaborately finished four-post, richly orna- 
mented, are manufactured in great variety. The depart- 
ment of the works connected with the various articles in 
gas fittings is extremely interesting. In this branch Mr. 
Winfield is the most extensive manufacturer in the king- 
dom. The rapid progress of art applied to manufactures 



THROUGH BIRMINGHAM. 



77 



is at once obvious in the many beautiful lamps and chan- 
deliers which adorn the show room. Another department 
of these works is devoted to the general furnishing and 
ironmongery, consisting of cornices, cornice ends, patent 
glass curtain bends, picture frames, china, and every de- 
scription of mortise furniture, balustrade bars, pier and 
console tables, with marble and papier machee tops, hat, 
umbrella, and flower stands, shop fronts, &c. Tubes and 
wire of all kinds are also made here in large quantities, 
and stamped and general brass foundery of every descrip- 
tion. The show rooms are always open for inspection, and 
there is no difficulty in obtaining an order from Mr. Win- 
field for admission into the manufactory. The interesting 
processes carried on throughout will amply repay the 
visitor's attention. — We observed with much satisfaction 
that attached to the works was an excellent school, where 
between one and two hundred of the boys employed, also 
the children of the workmen, receive ample instruction in 
the various branches of reading and useful knowledge. 

G. R. COLLIS AND CO.'S FINE ELECTRO PLATE, 
SILVER WORKS AND SHOW ROOMS, 

late the establishment of Sir Edward Thomason and Co., 
Church Street. In the manufactory the visitor is con- 
ducted through a variety of workshops, in which are exhi- 
bited the manufacturing of solid silver and electro plate 
services, from the richest as well as the most simple designs j 
bronzing; the manufacture of silver and plated wares; and 
also medals and buttons : the machines in the manufacture 
of the latter are exceedingly ingenious. The medal de- 
partment contains powerful presses, and the dies, which 

are neatly arranged, form the most extensive collection in 

H 3 



78 the stranger's guide 

Europe. The show rooms are fitted up in an elegant and 
.costly style, and contain a varied assortment of silver and 
plated goods, of medals, of japanned goods, &c. &c. In 
the vase room is a copy of the antique vase at Warwick 
Castle ; the model is composed of bronzed metal, and 
occupied seven years in its completion. There is also a 
bronze statue of George the Fourth in his coronation 
robes. Both these works of art were performed by Sir 
Edward Thomason, on whom they reflect the highest credit. 
This establishment has been visited by strangers of the first 
rank and distinction, who have never failed to express the 
high pleasure they derived from an inspection of it. The 
firm has an establishment for the sale of their manufactures 
at No. 1, Langham place, Regent Street, London. 

JOHN RODGERS AND SON'S INDIA RUBBER 
WORKS, 

in Broad Street. In this manufactory the process of Weaving 
India Rubber into elastic webs is very interesting. Here 
also are made webs of every description for girths, rollers, 
belts, braces, &c„ and afterwards manufactured into the 
various articles for which they are intended both for home 
and export trade. This firm are the patentees of the 
spring hooks and eyes, so much approved by Her Majesty, 
for ladies and children's dresses. Ladies are allowed to 
view their works on the payment of one shilling, for which 
they receive a box containing one gross of the patent spring 
hooks and eyes. 

PHIPSONS PIN MANUFACTORY 

is in Mott Street, to which visitors may be admitted on 
purchasing to the amount of five shillings, the profit of 



THROUGH BIRMINGHAM. 79 

which is devoted to the benevolent purpose of a sick fund 
for the manufactory. The wonders of pin-making, or the 
process by which a pin is produced, may well excite asto- 
nishment, if we consider the many and complicated opera- 
tions performed — reducing the wire, by successive steps, 
to the requisite thickness ; the cutting to lengths ; the 
pointing ; making the head ; fastening on the same. The 
quantity manufactured, did we consider what is daily 
consumed, almost exceed the bounds of credibility. Thus 
only in a single room of this establishment 1,500,000 pins 
are made in one day, or 10,000,000 weekly. 

We shall now direct our reader's attention to 

BACCHUS'S GLASS WORKS, 

in Dartmouth Street, which has long enjoyed a reputation 
for the clearness, purity, and brilliancy of its productions. 
In some of the coloured shapes, more particularly green, 
the establishment is unsurpassed. The show rooms are 
extensive, and have a first rate selection of goods exhibited, 
elegant in shape, and chaste in design. A visit to this 
important glass establishment should not be neglected. 

M'CALLUM AND HODSON, 

149, Brearley Street, Newtown Row, are manufacturers of 
papier machee, consisting of all the elegancies in ladies' work 
tables, work boxes, cabinets — patent multifarious portfolios, 
pale and handsome writing desks, wine trays, chairs inlaid 
with pearl, trays, card racks, envelope boxes, and cabinet 
work tables, and other articles of use and elegance, in great 
variety. 



80 THE STRANGER'S GUIDE 

ELKINGTON, MASON AND CO.'S 
ELECTRO-PLATE WORKS, 

Are situated on the west side of Newhall Street, and in 
addition to a fine facade to the street, forming a magnifi- 
cent show room, occupy an extensive area, wherein the 
whole business of the manufactory is carried on. The re- 
mark, that the monuments of Birmingham are her manu- 
factures, is nowhere more strikingly confirmed than in 
these works. It is not the mere fact that here are repro- 
duced the finest works of Greece and Rome ; that an 
artistic taste gives beauty and coherence to the skill of the 
artisan ; that to articles of domestic use are imparted a 
form and finish harmonious in their proportions, and 
pleasing in their general effect ; it is not simply the per- 
fection of design and execution that renders this establish- 
ment famous wherever Birmingham manufactures are 
known, but it is the union of these with that marvellous 
discovery — plating by the agency of electricity — that gives 
more than a mere artistic interest to these works. Here 
the union of science, art, and manufactures is fully con- 
summated, realising the fable of Pygmalion's statue of 
Galatea ; the artist conceiving beautiful forms, the artisan 
giving them existence, and the Promethean fire, elec- 
tricity, vivifying and glorifying the work. The reader 
need not be informed that the precipitation of metal by 
means of the galvanic battery is a discovery of yesterday ; 
and it is no less universally known that the name of the 
firm whose establishment we are noticing, is intimately 
connected with the successful application of the phenomena 
of galvanic action to the purposes of manufacture. This 




SILYEK, ELECT 




ELKINGTON, MASON, & CO.'S 
SILYER, ELECTRO PLATE, AND BRONZE MANUFACTORY. 




ELKI1 






THROUGH BIRMINGHAM. 81 

discovery has effected a revolution in the production of 
articles in the finer metals, not only with respect to their 
surface beauty, but in the scope which this system of 
plating affords for the manufacture of boldly relieved forms 
and elaborate combinations. Nor is it less important that 
while it has added to the beauty of the manufacture, it 
has also cheapened production ; thus bringing within the 
reach of a class hitherto precluded from their possession 
articles combining utility and beauty in an extraordinary 
degree. 

A visit to the Show Rooms is therefore very inte- 
resting. Entering a vestibule on the ground floor, the 
visiter is conducted to the fine suite of apartments forming 
the show rooms. Here the eye is for a time distracted by 
the multitude of articles in gold, silver, and bronze, pro- 
fusely disposed around. Candelabra elaborate and simple, 
from the ornate combinations of floral ornament and my- 
thological fable, to the modest water lily, or the lotus 
flower •, epergnes chaste in design and matchless in exe- 
cution ; tea urns on the pure models of Greece, the quaint 
conceptions of an age still more remote, and in the more 
picturesque, if not more beautiful, style of Roman art. 
These prominent objects are diversified by dinner and tea 
services, salvers, inkstands, and articles of bijouterie, all 
remarkable for elegance of form and excellence of work- 
manship. The visiter will not fail to notice some articles 
in bronze, which are also produced by the agency of elec- 
tricity. Before the discovery of this art the manufacture 
of bronzes was almost completely confined to France ; 
for there, in addition to the facilities which an educated 
taste afforded for the perfect reproduction of statuary, 
abundance of skilled labour and cheap material gave the 



82 the stranger's guide 

French a virtual monopoly of the trade. To use their 
own phrase, ' Nous avons change tout cela ' — we have 
changed all that — and the bronzes in this establishment are 
proofs of the fact. In perfection of drawing, the speci- 
mens in these rooms are quite equal to those of continental 
manufacture, and they surpass them in surface finish 
and in richness of colour. " The young Apollo," "Ajax," 
and several of the single figures of Thorwaldsen, are 
amongst the large specimens shewn. The small pieces 
embrace vases from Pompeii and Herculaneum, bassi 
relievi, medallions, and reduced copies of most of the 
great works of antiquity. 

The mention of a magnificent and wholly unique service 
in gold, being copies of vases from Pompeii and Hercu- 
laneum, and adapted to the dinner, tea, and desert table, 
may well form an appropriate climax to this notice of the 
most attractive, and as we have shown, for many reasons, 
most interesting of our Birmingham manufactories. 



THE CUT GLASS MANUFACTORY 
OF MESSRS. OSLER, BROAD STREET. 

The establishment of these enterprising manufacturers 
is more especially devoted to the richer and more elabo- 
rate department of the glass trade. The chief portion 
of the articles manufactured and sold by them con- 
sists of glass chandeliers, candelabra, lustres, and the 
finer description of cut glass for the table, these however, 
are of too great a variety to render a description of them 
in this work practicable. 

The Messrs. Osier are well known to the world as being 
the manufacturers of that pair of unique and beautiful 



THROUGH BIRMINGHAM. 83 

crystal glass candelabra for Ibrahim Pasha's palace at 
Cairo, of which a full account appeared in the Art Jour- 
nal for 1847, as well as in many of the London and Pro- 
vincial papers. From this exquisite specimen of work- 
manship, Messrs. Osier were commanded by H. R. H. 
Prince Albert, to manufacture a similar pair on a smaller 
scale, for presentation to Her Majesty on her birthday, and 
now are placed in Osborne House. 

The Proprietors have an Establishment, in London at 
44, Oxford Street, where a large and splendid assortment 
of their manufactures is always on view. 

ROTARY CUT NAIL WORKS, 

in Berkeley Street, Broad Street, is also worth inspection. 
Nails were formerly produced by hand, but the improve- 
ments in mechanical contrivance has at length accom- 
plished their manufacture by machinery. Thus, in the 
establishment at present before us, a single steam engine 
moves long ranges of machines, before each of which stands 
a lad with a rod of iron in his hand, and the duty of the 
operative consists in little else than holding the rod to the 
machine, which chops off and stamps a head upon the nails 
at the rate of at least fifty in a minute. The produce of 
nails at this manufactory is nearly 20,000,000 weekly. It 
is not unusual to receive an order for 1,000,000 nails of 
only one size. 

MUNTZ'S ROLLING MILLS, 

in Water Street, is well worthy of inspection. The im- 
portance of reducing metals by means of rollers will be 
readily understood — uniformity of thickness, solidity, and 



84 the stranger's guide 

the quickness by which these qualities are effected all 
speak in favour of machinery. The rolling machines 
consist principally of smooth iron cylinders revolving at a 
certain distance from each other, which, by dragging in the 
piece of metal offered to them by a man on one side, 
press it to the desired thickness and delivers it to a person 
opposite. The metal is annealed at certain stages ; this 
facilitates the process on passing through the rolls, hardens 
the sheet, and makes it brittle. Copper for coins, sheath- 
ing, and other purposes, metal for buttons, zinc for house 
covering, &c, are by such means pressed with ease. 

J. AND C. RATCLIFF, SUFFOLK STREET, 

are also leading manufacturers ; being most extensively 
engaged in the manufacture of every description of brass 
work for lamps, lustres, and chandeliers, adapted for oil 
and gas. Their show rooms present a large and choice 
selection of specimens, well calculated to illustrate the 
trades and productions of the town, and although we have 
spoken of lamps and chandeliers as the principal articles of 
this establishment, we by no means intend it to be under- 
stood that such alone comprises their only manufacture. 
The visitor will observe beautiful specimens of art, in 
bronze and ormolu — many of them possessing considerable 
merit in design ; the ornaments being generally pure and 
good copies from veritable antiques, adapted with judicious 
skill to suit the various objects with which they were asso- 
ciated. In all the articles submitted to us in this estab- 
lishment, we could not fail to remark the exceeding bril- 
liancy of colour they had received in passing through the 
hands of the artizan — in many instances rivalling if not 



THROUGH BIRMINGHAM. 85 

surpassing in beauty and richness of tone the ormolu of 
France. Messrs. Ratcliff have also embarked extensively 
and successfully in the recently discovered process of 
plating and gilding by electricity, and by a peculiar method 
of their own (which ultimately must prove of great im- 
portance) they effect perfect deposits upon metals which 
heretofore had effectually resisted adhesion. 

THE ROYAL PAPIER MAC HE MANUFACTORY 

AND SHOW ROOMS OF 

MESSRS. JENNENS AND BETTRIDGE, 

99, Constitution Hill, which, as will be seen, by the ac- 
companying map, is situated in one of the leading thorough- 
fares within a few minutes walk from the centre of the 
town, and surrounded by some of the principal and most 
interesting works of Birmingham. This establishment is 
well worthy of a visit. The magnificent productions which, 
from time to time, have emanated from it, cannot well be 
described here ; but they have elicited the admiration of 
the most illustrious and scientific in this realm, and are, 
undoubtedly, an honour to our town. This establishment 
has been the means of creating a trade which has now be- 
come most beneficial, both by the employment of many 
persons an improving the public taste for works of art. 

The articles manufactured by Jennens and Bettridge 
consist of their patented gem enamelling, paper tea trays, 
chess tables, sofas, cabinets, chairs, writing desks, folios» 
work boxes, dressing cases, &c. 

This manufactory has been patronized by royalty, during 
the last three reigns, and was visited by Her Most Gracious 
Majesty, (prior to her accession), and also by H.R.H. 

i 



86 THE stranger's guide 






Prince Albert, Prince Louis Napoleon, Duchess of Kent, 
Henry de France, Due de Nemours, the late Ibrahim 
Pacha, and by almost every distinguished personage who 
has hououred our borough with their presence. Probably 
many of our readers visited the exposition of manufactures 
held at the Society of Arts, London, during the spring of 
1849, in which they must have noticed specimens of the 
recent "Patented Gem Enamelling" and Papier Mache 
of this firm, and of which Her Most Gracious Majesty 
and H.R.H. Prince Albert were pleased to express their 
great admiration. 

We were happy to learn that the Society of Arts pre- 
sented to Messrs Jennens and Bettridge " the Gold Iris 
Medal," and also " the Honorary Testimonial " for their 
superior quality and artistic merit of their productions. 

We would strongly advice our readers to avail them- 
selves of the opportunity of visiting these works, which by 
the courtesy of the proprietors is permitted to all persons 
of respectability, 

Parties visiting this establishment may also obtain every 
facility in viewing the most interesting works and Show 
Rooms in the town, which we feel will be gratefully ac- 
knowledged by the stranger. 

The London Manufactory and Show Rooms — Halkin 
Street West, Belgrave Square. 

CORNFORTH'S BRITANNIA METAL AND 
ELECTRO PLATE WORKS, 

Newhall Street, (immediately opposite Messrs. Elkington 
and Co.'s establishment). Here are manufactured every 
variety of electro plated and Britannia metal goods. The 



THROUGH BIRMINGHAM. 87 

new method of casting tea and coffee services, &c. in ar- 
gentine metal, is a very interesting and ingenious process. 
This branch of manufacture is carried on here to a great 
extent, and the show rooms and manufactory are well worthy 
of observation. 

GILLOTT'S STEEL PEN MANUFACTORY 

is in Graham Street, and it is the largest steel pen manufac- 
tory in the kingdom. Upwards of three hundred persons 
being regularly employed. This manufactory contains much 
that is interesting. 

HAMMOND, TURNER, AND CO.'S BUTTON 
MANUFACTORY, SNOW HILL. 

This establishment is also exceedingly worthy of attention. 
There you will see the finest dye and the richest gilt and 
pattern of buttons made — with gilt, plated, bronzed metal, 
pearl, &c. ; and the different processes they undergo, in 
order to their full maturity, are extremely interesting. 
Even in this apparently simple article, much taste and in- 
genuity are necessarily displayed ; and though a profitable 
portion of the trade may slightly be diminished in conse- 
quence of the change in fashion, yet from elaborate and 
richly gilt to even plain florentine buttons, the proprie- 
tors flatter themselves that the visitor and curious observer 
will find much to interest as well as much to admire. 
We recommend an early visit to this establishment. 
The proprietors do not admit strangers, unless with a letter 
of introduction. 

SHERWOOD'S MANUFACTORY OF PLATE 

in Lichfield Street, is one of the largest plating establish- 

i2 



THE STRANGER S GUIDE 






merits in the town — the new system of electro plating is 
extensively used here, being licenced from the patentees. 
Persons respectably introduced can be conducted over the 
works. 

' THE PAPIER MACHE MANUFACTORY OF 
MESSRS. FOOTHORAPE AND CO., 

situated a few doors down, on the left hand side of Church 
Street, is well worthy of a visit from the stranger. He will 
here see a vast display of tables, chairs, screens, envelope 
boxes, blotting cases, cabinets, tea caddies, trays, &c. too nu- 
merous to mention ; all of which reflect great credit on the 
taste, spirit, and enterprise of the proprietors, and afford 
undeniable evidence of the superior taste and skill of Bir- 
mingham artists and mechanics. 

HARRIS'S GLASS WORKS, 

Islington, are very extensive, and conducted with a high 
degree of spirit and enterprise. This establishment is 
chiefly distinguished by the excellence of the pressed goods ; 
many of the specimens produced are little, if at all, inferior 
to the cut article, while they are much cheaper. Mr. H. 
has of late entered extensively into the manufacture of 
coloured glass articles, such as chimney ornaments, toilet 
glasses, &c. ; he has also introduced with success enamel 
gilding and colouring. In the show rooms, which are open 
to the public, will be seen excellent specimens in all the 
varieties of articles manufactured in the glass trade. About 
four hundred and fifty persons are employed on these 
works. 



THROUGH BIRMINGHAM. 89 

THE GUN BARREL PROOFHOUSE 

is situated in Banbury Street near the Railway Station. 
An Act of Parliament was passed in 1813 for providing for 
the proper manufacture of fire arms. According to the 
provisions of the Act, a body of gentlemen was elected, 
bearing the name of " The Guardians, Trustees, and War- 
dens of the Gun Barrel Proofhouse of Birmingham." At 
this establishment the barrels of fire arms which are made 
in Birmingham are proved. 

GRIFFITH'S AND HOPKINS'S SHOW ROOMS, 

Copper Jelly mould makers, tin plate workers and manu- 
facturers, in Bradford Street, are remarkable for the beauty 
and finish^ displayed in the manufacture of tin ware by a 
peculiar process. 

SWORD AND MATCHET MANUFACTORY OF 
MESSRS. REEVES, GREAVES, & REEVES, 

28, Bartholomew Street. This firm has been established 
a great number of years, and is justly celebrated for the 
excellence of their manufactures, which are made with great 
care and attention, under the personal management of the 
proprietors themselves, who feel much pride in producing 
that important weapon, the sword, in every essential point 
superior to any other country. 

THE GREAT MIDLAND EMPORIUM, 

BULL RING. 

This establishment, conducted by the spirited proprietor, 
Mr. Herbert Room, will afford much pleasure to strangers 
who visit it. The show rooms are very extensive, 

i 3 



90 THE STRANGER'S GUIDE 

Lamps of every description, from the splendid can- 
delabra and lustres to the carriage lamp, are here to be 
seen in great variety. Of Sheffield cutlery and plated 
goods the stock is very varied and extensive. The collec- 
tion of elegant stoves, grates, fenders, &c. is very large ; 
and the papier mache, bronzes, ormolu, pearl, ivory, tor- 
toiseshell, and Berlin iron ornaments, tea-traya, waiters, 
and in fact everything required in furnishing may be 
procured, from the most handsome andj costly? to the 
smallest article, at this emporium, which is in high repute 
amongst the nobility and gentry of the midland counties. 
We cannot do better than recommend the visitor to pay 
this extensive and elegant establishment a visit, being one 
of the best places of the kind in the town, and as the 
proprietor allows parties to inspect his establishment, though 
they may not be purchasers. 

MONSIEUR REMOND'S ENVELOPE 
MANUFACTORY, 

Great Charles Street. The proprietor has invented a very 
ingenious machine, which facilitates the production of en- 
velopes in a very efficient and admirable manner, those it 
turns out being perfect and uniform in their construction. 
The quantity of work which the machine accomplishes is 
most astonishing. Supposing it to be turned by manual 
labour, one man, with the aid of three or four young girls 
or boys to gather the envelopes, would, it is calculated, by 
its means, be able to manufacture from 30,000 to 35,000 
in a working day ; while an expert hand, in the ordinary 
way, cannot, upon the average, make more than 2500, in 
the same manner as those in question. 



THROUGH BIRMINGHAM.^ 91 

LANE'S JAPAN MANUFACTORY, " 

Great Hampton Street. In this manufactory may be seen 
a new and very interesting application by the introduction 
of japanned subjects behind glass, associated with highly 
reflecting substances, such as mother-of-pearl; for this a 
patent has been obtained. Among the specimens which 
may be seen in the show rooms of this establishment, which 
are of the most splendid description, are many of rare and 
high artistic merit, while the effect produced by the new 
process is so successful as to leave little to be desired, either 
in regard to taste, ornament, or utility. 

PEYTON AND HARLOW'S PATENT METALLIC 
BEDSTEAD MANUFACTORY, 

situated in High Street, Bordesley, opposite the Coventry 
Road. At these works the manufacture of brass and iron 
bedsteads is carried on upon a very extensive scale. The 
proprietors devote their attention exclusively to this branch 
of manufacture, and they have succeeded in very much 
improving the manufacture and style of these articles. The 
facilities which their patents secure to them in the methods 
of manufacturing enable them to construct even their com- 
monest bedsteads upon principles which, while affording 
the greatest facility in putting up and taking down, render 
them as firm when put together as if formed of one solid 
piece of iron. They are all fitted by means of circular dove- 
tail joints, and are entirely free from pins, screws, nuts, or 
rivets, and consequently require no tools either in putting 
up or taking down. The brass bedsteads are manufactured 
of handsome taper tubes cased upon iron, and are free from 



92 the stranger's guide 

solder, lead, or other soft metal. The better kind of iron 
bedsteads have also taper tube pillars, and are painted to re- 
semble mahogany, maple, and other woods ; they are also 
painted to any pattern of papier mache" furniture. The 
commonest bedsteads are exceedingly neat in appearance, 
and many of the designs of the higher qualities of both 
brass and iron bedsteads are in the very best style of art. 

At this establishment are also manufactured Both way's 
invalid bedstead, (which is calculated to afford great con- 
venience in time of suffering, and is adapted to give every 
facility in cases where surgical operations are required to 
be performed ;) and also the rheiocline bedstead, by the 
peculiarity of its construction, stands unrivalled, as afford- 
ing that combination of softness and coolness so desirable 
in hot climates and in hot weather and has in many cases 
been preferred by invalids to Arnott's water bed. 

The London Branch of the establishment is No. 12, 
Panton Square, Haymarket. 

MAPPLEBECK AND LOWE'S ESTABLISH- 
MENTS, 

in the Bull Ring, Smithfield, and Gloucester Street, are 
well worthy of inspection. It would be impossible for us 
to give the reader anything like an adequate idea of the 
extent of these spacious show rooms. The stock consists 
of a great variety of stove grates, fenders, fire irons, kitchen 
ranges, hot air stoves, and general ironfoundry goods. The 
Bull Ring show rooms contain a splendid assortment of 
cutlery from the celebrated Joseph Rodgers and Sons, of 
Sheffield, and a most extensive stock of Sheffield plated 
wares and sterling silver articles ; also a very choice and 



THROUGH BIRMINGHAM. 93 

extensive selection of papier mache trays, tea urns, lamps, 
chandeliers, ladies and gentlemen's dressing cases, work 
boxes, Berlin castings, figures, and iron and brass bedsteads, 
baths, and general ironmongery ; also an extensive variety 
of useful and fancy articles manufactured in the town of 
Birmingham. The agricultural implement repository con- 
nected with this establishment in Gloucester Street, adjoin- 
ing Smithfield, contains a large and general assortment of 
implements and machinery from all the celebrated manu- 
facturers and eminent men of the day. Messrs. Mapple- 
beck and Lowe are the inventors of several important ar- 
ticles in this branch of their business, and have frequently 
taken prizes at the Royal Agricultural and other societies. 
The proprietors of this great depot are glad to shew the 
rooms to any visitors, who may be also accommodated with 
cards of admission to many of the principal manufac 
tories. 



94 thb stranger's guide 



Chapter TH*. 

THE ENVIRONS. 

The beautiful environs that surround Birmingham, and 
the objects worthy the attention of the stranger, which 
they contain, demand a description in the present work. 
In performing the pleasant task we have chosen, for the 
convenience of the visitor, to describe the environs under 
the respective parishes which surround the town. We 
commence with 

E DC B ASTON. 

The neighbourhood of Edgbaston will not fail to please the 
visitor, with its villas, terraces, and park-like and pic- 
turesque beauty, forming, as it does, the west end of Bir- 
mingham. It is here the aristocracy of the town take up 
their residence. The visitor, as he paces the spacious 
and finely-built streets of Edgbaston — the elegant villas 
and terraces, which are profusely scattered on every side, 
will acknowledge that the business man of Birmingham 
carries with him, into his retirement, a correct taste not 
only for the useful, but also for the beautiful and the 
picturesque. 

The present proprietor of Edgbaston, is Lord Calthorpe, 
who will not permit any small houses to be erected on 
his estate, and has paid such attention to its improve- 



THROUGH BIRMINGHAM. 95 

ment, as to render it, independent of other advantages, the 
most eligible spot for building in the neighbourhood of 
Birmingham. Edgbaston is approached on one side by 
Holloway Head, and on the other from Broad Street. 
The ground rising rapidly from the former and more gra- 
dually from the latter, as far as the Five Ways, whence it 
spreads over a fine level surface for a considerable dis- 
tance, intersected by roads, and laid out with such skill 
and ingenuity as to present the most tempting sites for 
villa residences, and to afford the most delightful prome- 
nades. The roads are excellent, and for the most part 
bordered with trees of luxuriant growth, behind which 
are placed extremely handsome houses, in every variety of 
style and dimensions. There are few points in the king- 
dom which exhibit such an architectural beauty amidst 
prospects of so rural a character, which, from the endless 
■diversity of the sylvan scenery, is ever charming and 
new. The emerald of the green sward here wears a more 
delicate freshness, and the luxuriant foliage of the trees 
a brighter green than elsewhere. The villas peeping out 
of their leafy screen, and the shaded walks and delicious gar- 
dens sending forth their odours. The extensive and di- 
versified scenery which now and then break upon the 
sight, forms an ensemble that defies eulogium. 

EDGBASTON HALL, 

now the seat of Edward Johnstone, Esq., M.D., was for- 
merly the seat of the Lords of the Manor, and during the 
Civil Wars was garrisoned by detachments of the Parlia- 
mentary army. It was burned by the population at the 
Revolution, who feared it might become a refuge for 



96 



THE STRANGER'S GUIDE 



Roman Catholics. The present Hall was built by Sir 
Richard Gough. It is placed in a small but well wooded 
park, formerly open to the inhabitants, it is* now closed 
from the depredations committed, and is ornamented with 
a fine sheet of water, 

EDGBASTON CHURCH, 

reposes amidst the trees which surround the Hall, and has 
a very pleasing and picturesque appearance. The church 
is believed to have been founded in the eighth century- 




It is dedicated to St. Bartholomew, and is frequently 
mentioned in old records and documents, and also in 
doomsday. In common with many other places of wor- 
ship, it was pillaged by the Republican soldiers, who 
completely destroyed it. After the Restoration it was 
rebuilt, and the interior decorated by Sir R. Gough. The 
body of the church was taken down and rebuilt in 1810. 
It was also thoroughly repaired and reroofed in 1845* 



THROUGH BIRMINGHAM. 



97 



The low tower, a portion of the ancient structure, con- 
tains a peal of bells; in the interior, are several interest- 
ing marble monuments, principally of the Gough family, 

ST. GEORGE'S OR NEW CHURCH, 




is a fine Gothic building, erected by the munificence of 
Lord Calthorpe, as a chapel of ease to the old church. 

THE MONUMENT 

is an odd looking structure of brick, erected in 1758, 
seven stories in height. It had acquired the name of 
"Perrott's Folly," but was evidently erected for scientific 
purposes. It is a prominent object from various parts of 
the parish. 



THE BOTANICAL GARDENS. 

These beautiful grounds are situated in the Westbourne 
Road, and at the end of the Vicarage Road, and will be 
found a delightful walk or drive from the town. They 



98 THE STRANGER S GUIDE 

were opened in 1829, and contain a large conservatory, 
hothouses, and a great; variety of rare shrubs and 
plants. The situation, the manner of laying out, and the 
beauty of the neighbourhood, is delightful. It is the 
property of a number of shareholders, conducted by a 
committee of management in a most liberal and satis- 
factory manner. On Monday admittance to the grounds 
is allowed to all at one penny each person, for other 
days of the week the charge is higher, and therefore more 
select. The gardens will well repay a visit. 

MRS. WILMORE'S STRAWBERRY AND 
FLOWER GARDENS 

are among the pleasant and fashionable places of resort 
during the summer months. They occupy nearly the 
whole of a deep and rich valley, which is approached 
by a rapid descent from the road leading to the church. 
The charge for admission is one shilling, the value of which 
may be had in strawberries, flowers, &c. 

THE RESERVOIR, 

situated near Monument Lane, is a noble expanse of 
water, covering about seventy acres, surrounded by an 
extensive plantation, through which a road has been 
formed, so as to enable the visitor to make the entire 
circuit of the lake. 

DEAF AND DUMB INSTITUTION, 

an excellent charity founded in 1815, principally by the 
exertions of Drs. De Lys and Blair. There is accom- 
modation for sixty-five children ; the present number 



THROUGH BIRMINGHAM. 99 

amounts to about fifty boys and girls. Other pupils are 
admitted besides those of the charity, who are kept en- 
tirely separate, and taught the more liberal branches of 
education. Strangers are admitted from twelve to one 
o'clock each day, to view this interesting institution. 

HARBORNE. 

A delightful drive may be taken to the village of Har. 
borne. The church is dedicated to St.|Peter and St. Paul, 
and has a late perpendicular tower. From the church- 
yard a beautiful view is obtained of the Clent Hills, the 
Bromsgrove Lickey, and other parts of Worcestershire. 
The road from Harborne to Birmingham is lined with 
the seats and villas of gentlemen connected with the 
town. From its delightful scenery and the pleasant rides 
and walks in the neighbourhood, Harborne is well adapted 
for a country residence. 

HANDSWORTH 

is situated in Staffordshire, about two miles north of Bir- 
mingham, was the scene of the labours of the immortal 
Watt, and in Handsworth repose his remains and that of 
his partner, Mr. Boulton. 

HANDSWORTH OLD CHURCH 

is dedicated to St. Mary ; with the exception of the tower 
it has been mostly rebuilt ; the living, a rectory in the 
gift of Sir Robert Peel, and is but a short drive from the 
town. The principal attraction in the church is the 
chaste and beautiful statue in white marble of the great 
machinist, Watt, from the chisel of Chantrey, placed in a 

k2 



100 THE STRANGER'S GUIDE 

chapeF expressly erected for its reception by his son, 
the hallowed stillness of which cannot but have its effect 
on the spectator. There are several old monuments in 
the church ; one, the figure of a knight, has, to the dis- 
grace of the authorities, been sawn in two, to make way 
for a staircase. There is also a striking bust of Bolton 
by the celebrated Flaxman. The church is beautifully 
and rurally situated ; in the churchyard are several hand- 
some monuments. 

Handsworth New Church on the West Bromwich road 
is a handsome structure. ~ 

A delightful walk through the fields from Handsworth 
church brings us to 

ASTON. 

THE HALL AND PARK, 

seen to the best advantage from the lane leading to the 
church. It is a noble edifice, in the Elizabethan style, 
with a fine avenue of trees at its front, and sheltered on 
all sides by the foliage; was erected in the reign of James 
I,, by Sir Thomas Holt, Bart., who had the honour of 
entertaining Charles I. for two nights previous to the 
battle of Edge Hill ; in consequence of which loyalty, 
the Parliamentary Forces levied heavy contributions upon 
Sir Thomas Holt, and cannonaded the hall : the marks 
of the balls are still shewn on the stair-case. It was for 
some years the residence of the late James Watt, Esq., 
son of the eminent engineer. 

; ASTON CHURCH, 

situated near the hall, a fine and picturesque structure, is 
dedicated to 



THROUGH BIRMINGHAM. 



101 



St. Peter and St. Paul. — The following is a brief 
account of this beautiful and highly interesting church. 




George Paganel, Baron of Dudley, in the time of Henry 
the Second, appropriated the great tithes of Aston to 
Tickford Priory, at Newport Paganel, Bucks. These 
were confirmed to the monks by Giles de Erdington, in 
a.d. 1231, (the 15th of Henry the Third,) at which time 
it is supposed the nave and west part of the chancel were 
built. 

In Edward the Second's reign, the east end of the 

chancel, comprising one north and south window, and 

the east window, and the chancel arch were added — and 

the capitals of the piers on the north side of the nave 

were altered to correspond with the style of that day. 

In Henry the Sixth's reign the fine tower and spire 

k 3 



102 the stranger's guide 

were erected. It will be well to observe that the tower is 
what is termed early perpendicular work,— the four-centred 
arch is not found — but the clerestory, where we see flat 
four-centred arches, is late perpendicular, supposed to have 
been inserted about Henry the Seventh's reign. 

On the south-west of chancel, is a window, which ori- 
ginally (as may be seen) came down lower than the others. 
This is termed by some a " Lychnoscope." The use of 
it is much disputed. 

An early English window remains on the north and 
south sides of the chancel, but blocked up. 

At the north-west corner of the chancel, there once evi- 
dently was a lean-to building. The weather-moulding 
remains, and the entrance-door from the chancel, now 
blocked up, is supposed to have been the sacristy. 
The priest's door, also blocked, remains on the south 
side. 

And now of the interior. — In the chancel are four altar 
tombs. 

The one at the north-east was erected to the memory 
of Walter de Arden, a.d. 1407, and was originally placed 
in the north aisle of the nave. 

The two on the south side of the chancel came from 
the Erdington chantry, (founded in 27 of Henry the Sixth 
for one priest, by Thomas de Erdington, for an altar of 
the Blessed Virgin,) at the east end of the south aisle 
of nave, (where now the pews are higher than the 
rest.) 

The monument at north-west of the chancel is to the 
memory of Sir Edward Devereux, who died in 1677. 
This erection caused a window to be blocked up. 

\u the north aisle of the nave there is an altar-tomb to 



THROUGH BIRMINGHAM. 103 

the memory of one of the Holt family, and a brass (a.d. 
1540,) with this inscription under the figures, 

€t)omas i^olt Ijere Igctfj tit grabe, an& (or tfjg passion 
<©n |jtm, ILottr, fjabe compassion, antr t)ts soul Ho sabe. 

A legend likewise runs round the stone. 

There are a great number of mural tablets of all kinds 
in the church, with their usual accompaniments of weep- 
ing cherubs, &c, but these deserve no detailed notice. 

The church was greatly modernized and mutilated, a.d. 
1790. In this fatal year the floor was raised eighteen 
inches — the roofs ceiled — the nave filled with new pews — 
the sedilia in the chancel, and the piscinae (one in chancel 
and one in the Erdington chantry) blocked up — the west 
gallery made, blocking up the beautiful tower arch, the 
barbarous doors on the north and south of nave inserted, 
the monials and bracery of the nave windows removed — 
the parapets taken down — the western door made into a 
window — the west porch into a vestry — and a floor con- 
structed for the ringers, hiding the interior view of the 
fine perpendicular windows of the tower. 

The four stalls, now existing in the chancel, were re- 
moved a few years since from Saint Margaret's, Leicester, 
being displaced from their original position in the chancel 
of that church as rubbish ! These four of course form 
only a small remnant of the original series, which were 
erected by Abbot Penny, who died, a.d. 1509, and have 
been engraved in the " glossary of architecture " as very 
fine specimens of that kind of work. 

A relic of the churchyard cross, of early English date, 
is preserved in the chancel ; the subjects carved on it are 
worthy of note, On one side is the Crucifixion, on the 



104 THE STRANGER'3 GUIDE 

opposite the Virgin and Child, and on the two others 
figures of St. Peter and St. Paul. 

The west window of the south aisle was a few years 
since erected, and filled with stained glass of a very beau- 
tiful character, in memory of two sisters, from the design 
of Mr. Pugin. 

The present battlement and pinnacles of the tower are 
modern. 

VAUXHALL, 

THE VAUXHALL GARDENS. 

Strangers should take an opportunity to visit these 
gardens, where they will be greatly^ delighted. The 
principal lawn, surrounded by a line of majestic trees, 
is disposed into picturesque parterres, beautified by flowers 
and evergreens. These radiate from a centred division, 
in which a handsome fountain is erected, which pours its 
liquid treasures into an ample basin. Under the trees 
which fringe the square, snug and picturesque, and some- 
times fantastic, bowers cluster ; and between each a 
sloping bank, adorned with vases and flowers, forms a 
striking combination. The whole constitutes a delightful 
promenade, which, without let or hindrance, Mr. Stewart 
has thrown open to the public. In such a town as this, 
with so few facilities for indulgence in*out-door recreation, 
such a privilege is invaluable. 

THE NEW VAUXHALL GARDENS. 

But for several unmistakeable landmarks which fix the 
locality of these pleasure grounds, they might easily be 
mistaken for some sylvan spot, remote from the workshops 



THROUGH BIRMINGHAM. 105 

of labouring thousands, beautified by the liberality of 
its possessor, whose good taste was ably seconded by his 
pecuniary ability to minister to its suggestions. The en- 
trance is through a handsome hotel, the elevated situation 
of which, commands a rich and diversified prospect of the 
natural and artificial treasures that so plentifully adorn 
them, from whence may be seen winding walks and elegant 
bowers — velvet lawns and beautiful fountains, whose 
" flashy waters seek the sky," and a multiplicity of hand- 
some statues " instinct with life " studding and enriching 
the miniature paradise in all directions, evincing high 
classical taste, both as regards the selection of the models, 
which are, with few exceptions, pure Grecian ; and the 
arrangement, grouping and situations. At the rear of the 
gardens, crossing a capacious basin of ornamental water, 
is the startling enigma — The Mrial Bridge — stretching its 
slim and weblike consistence, the distance of some 100 feet, 
and which, from its apparently slight mechanism, " one's 
apprehension dares not risk a tread," is yet, we are told, 
capable of fording a regiment of soldiers with safety, 
and forms a romantic and highly picturesque approach 
to a handsome collonade of 300 feet in length, which 
is fitted up with every convenience for promenade or 
dancing ; though roofed to protect from heat or incle- 
mency, the sides are thrown open, and disposed with 
seats, where the visitor can sit at ease and admire the 
surrounding gardens. 

MOSELEY. 

The rural village of Moseley is situated in the parish of 
JKings Norton, Worcestershire, about two miles south of 



106 THE STRANGER'S GUIDE 

Birmingham, on the Alcester road. From Trinity chape! 
a direct line of road, passing through Highgate, from 
which a fine prospect may be obtained of Birmingham, 
leads to the village of Moseley which consists of small 
but neat honses ; the Church dedicated to the Virgin 
Mary, is an ancient stone edifice, with a tower contain- 
ing three bells. Surrounding the church are several ele- 
gant villas, and in the immediate neighbourhood is 

MOSELEY HALL, 

the seat of the late James Taylor, Esq. The mansion, 
which is approached through an avenue of ancient trees, 
ia a plain stone building, surrounded by park-like en- 
closures. The Common, a mile from the church, com- 
mands an extensive view. The plantations are inclosures 
which surround it, and the neat houses interspersed here 
and there, add to its natural beauty. It forms a fine 
exercise and review ground for the regiments of cavalry 
stationed in the town. There are several beautifully 
rural walks in and about Moseley. 

THE GENERAL CEMETERY, 

in Warstone Lane, is a favourite place of resort for the 
inhabitants. In the centre of the grounds stands the 
chapel in which the burial service is performed. The 
grounds are agreeably and tastefully laid out with walks, 
interspersed with lawns and shrubberies. Like the cele- 
brated cemetery at Liverpool, this is mostly excavated 
from the rock, in which are placed the catacombs. Several 
of the monuments are of superior merit; one in particular, 
in white marble, by Mr. Hollins — flowers in full bloom, 
cut by a sycthe — is really worthy of attention. 



THROUGH BIRMINGHAM, 



107 



THE CHURCH OF ENGLAND 
CEMETERY, 

Warstone, was established by Act of Parliament in 1846, 
and consecrated 28th August, 1848. About nine acres 
of ground are now enclosed and consecrated ; the whole 
of which has been laid out and planted with considerable 
taste. The church is dedicated to St. Michael. It is a 
very beautiful building, in the perpendicular style of 
architecture, with nave, chancel, tower and spire. The 
fine window at the east end was placed there by the mu- 
nificence of Messrs. Chance Brothers. There are two 
cloisters, ranging north and south of the chief entrance, 
forming a handsome elevation to the front, and extended 
for the reception of monumental tablets and tombs. 




108 THE STRANGER'S GUIDE 

There are cloisters separated from the body of the church, 
which form an ambulatory, of about 150 feet, with a 
range of rich painted windows on the western front, 
and at each end. In front of the church is a fine terrace 
walk, overlooking the grounds and the adjacent country, 
and crowning a circular range of catacombs constructed 
in the banks of a deep and dry bed or bank of gravel 
faced with rough stonework, and which now forms a 
handsome basement to the main buildings. The lodge, 
in the domestic style of architecture of the same age, 
fronts to Warstone lane, a convenient residence for the 
secretary, with offices and rooms for the directors. The 
bishop of Worcester is the patron. 



Chapter #X 

THE VICINITY OF BIRMINGHAM, 

POINTING OUT THE OBJECTS OF ATTRACTION IN NATURE 

AND ART WITHIN A CIRCLE OP FROM 

25 TO 30 MILES. 

As regards a neighbourhood teeming with attractive, de- 
lightful and interesting objects — objects rich in literary and 
historical remembrance, as well as natural scenery ; few 
spots in the'kingdom are so advantageously situated as Bir- 
mingham in this respect : Within its twenty .five mile circle 
are Stratford-on-Avon, Warwick, Kenil worth and Dudley 



THROUGH BIRMINGHAM. 109 

castles, Leamington, Coventry, and Rugby College. The 
cathedrals of Worcester and Lichfield, as well as the 
classic groves of Hagley, and the blossom bearing hills 
of Clent and Malvern, and a number of other equally 
interesting spots, presenting such a combination of attrac- 
tion as is probably unique, and affording exhaustless food 
for inquiry and contemplation. Nearly all these popular 
localities have railway communication, the most distant 
of which may be reached in the space of an hour and 
a half, and those places not possessing the convenience 
of rail may be reached at the pleasure of the traveller, 
either by omnibus or coach, which are of a respectable 
class, and distinguished for convenience and celerity, 
always plying between Birmingham and their respective 
destinations. 

As most of the towns are situated in entirely different 
directions, and therefore impossible to be seen all at once, 
we have disposed the vicinity into " routes " for the 
convenience of the'stranger, each comprehending all the 
places of interest, within its particular neighbourhood. 

KENILWORTH CASTLE. 

About five miles from Coventry, on the line of railway 
connecting that town with Leamington, rises the venerable 
and magnificent ruin of Kenilworth Castle from the midst 
of woods and meadows, in the most beautiful sylvan neigh- 
bourhood of the country. To those who have enjoyed the 
delicious description of the "Great Northern Wizard," 
there will be no difficulty in tracing many of the sites 
of feudal grandeur and royal entertainment. Among the 



110 THE STRANGER'S GUIDE 

remains are still distinguishable the great banqueting 
hall, the pleasanee, the tilt-yard, the Leicester buildings, 
&c. &c. The meadows, where now the stream winds its 
crystal way ornamented with tasteful bridges, were for- 
merly a sheet of water, and formed the lake so graphically 
described, with its accompanying pageants, by Laneham, 
on the occasion of Queen Elizabeth's visit; but now drained 
for the more profitable purpose of providing food for our 
rising population. Many beauties will be found in the 
neighbourhood by the admirers of rural scenery ; and to 
those who delight in pic nic parties, among the ruins, on 
the turf, or in the shade of the surrounding woods, an 
occasional day there spent will be found time well be- 
stowed, and the contemplation of the changes which a 
few years produce will be here held up to the mind with 
scenic effect. 

THE RUINS OF THE PRIORY. 

The gate house is all that remains, which is still magni- 
ficent in spite of corroding time. It closely adjoins the 
south-western side of the churchyard. 

KENILWORTH CHURCH 

is dedicated to St. Nicholas, and is a very ancient build- 
ing. It contains a curious inscription of a man who died 
in 1656, having lived 152 years. 

. Three miles from Kenilworth, on the road to Warwick, 
near the monument, which marks the place of the exe- 
cution of Pierce Gaveston, one of the favourites of Ed- 
ward the Second, is the charming mansion of 

GUY'S CLIFF, 

being the reputed devotional retreat of the renowned Guy 
during his latter days. It now exhibits a most delightful 



THROUGH BIRMINGHAM. Ill 

seat, in a perfect state of repair, built in olden times on 
a romantic cliff in a commanding situation on the Avon, 
which here forms a most delightful lake, after passing 
a romantic Swiss mill, which, with its waterfalls, form a 
most agreeable object from the house. Our space admits 
not of a catalogue of some of the beauties of this gem, 
and we well recommend those who visit this favoured 
spot to notice the chapel, the vestibule, the great draw- 
ing-room, library, &c, all containing choice works of 
art, in sculpture and paintings, both ancient and mo- 
dern : among the latter will be found many by a youthful 
member of the family of the present possessor ; one alone 
deserves particular notice, " The Cave of Despair," from 
Spencer's Fairy Queen. Many other most agreeable 
objects should be brought under the notice of visitors, as 
the cave, the well, the stables in the rock, the avenue, the 
gardens, &c, all of which can be seen on application. 
One mile from Guy's Cliff is 

WARWICK. 

This rare old town is situated on a rocky eminence, on 
the banks of the Avon, over which is thrown a stone 
bridge, erected at the sole expense of the late Earl of 
Warwick, is of Saxon origin, and of great antiquity, 
and was the residence of Warrenmunde, a Mercian 
chief. In 1572, Queen Elizabeth visited this town 
during her sojourn at Kenilworth. In 1694, a great 
part of the town was destroyed by fire, when Queen 
Anne contributed £1000 towards a subscription for ena- 
bling the inhabitants to repair their losses. 

This borough returns two members to Parliament. 

l 2 



112 THE STRANGER'S GUIDE 

There are several manufactories in the town, principally 
worsted and silk mills. 

There are several handsome buildings. The County Hall, 
where the county assizes and quarter sessions are held. The 
county Gaol and the Bridewell. The Town H all was erected 
in 1730, at the expense of the Corporation: they were 
charged before the Court of Chancery with misappropri- 
ating the public money in the erection of this building, 
and were in consequence suspended from the exercise of 
their powers, until 1738, when they were restored. 

The church and chapel of St. Mary are open daily to 
visitors, who are admitted upon payment of a small 
gratuity. There are several very interesting monuments 
in the interior. The church of St. Nicholas is without 
any recommendation to notice. 

Twelve fairs are held here during the year. 

WARWICK CASTLE. 

About four miles beyond Kenilworth, on a pleasing emi- 
nence, stands the county town of Warwick, and adjoining 
the stately castle, which is the baronial residence of the 
Lord Lieutenant of the County, the Earl of Warwick. 
The castle stands on a rock which rises out of the river 
Avon, which winds its silent stream around its base, hav- 
ing the ruins of a picturesque broken bridge at its foot, 
but superseded in its use by a modern one of a single arch, 
having a beautiful effect. In. the enchanting grounds, with 
woods of cedars, will be found many objects of interest, 
among which may be named a white marble vase capable 
of containing one hundred and sixty-three gallons, found 
at the bottom of a lake near Rome, now^known as the War- 
wick Vase, and placed in a conservatory in the gardens. 
Guy's accoutrements also, his porridge pot and flesh fork, 



THROUGH BIRMINGHAM. ] 13 

are objects of curiosity and wonder, being all of a colossal 
magnitude. The building will well repay a visit ; among 
its worthies may be named, the great hall, the great 
dining-room, the cedar drawing-room, wainscoted with 
cedar and floored with polished oak ; the gilt-room, the 
state bed chamber, hung with Brussels tapestry and 
containing Queen Anne's bed ; the chapel, the armoury, 
gallery, &c. &c, all stored with choice pictures, ancient 
relics, antique furniture, &c. ; whilst the rich views from 
the Gothic windows in the suites of apartments delight 
the visitant, and speak favourably of the taste of its 
ancient founders. 

The castle may be seen during the absence of the 
family : the indication of their presence may be known 
by the flag waving on Guy's Tower. 

STRATFORD-UPOIM-AVOfM, 

In the county of Warwickshire, contains about 3000 
inhabitants. It is beautifully situated in the south-west 
border of the county, upon an eminence rising gently 
from the west bank of the Avon. It was originally called 
Streetford, deriving its name from its situation on the 
north road. It was distinguished prior to the conquest 
for its monastery. During the civil wars, Henrietta- 
Maria, queen of Charles I., remained three days at New 
Place, the residence of Shakspeare's daughter, where she 
was hospitably entertained by the family. Stratford 
possesses several spacious streets, intersecting each other, 
some at right angles, and some obliquely. The houses in 
the part called the Old Town, though rather ancient, are 
in general, commodious and well-built, occasionally in- 
terspersed with modern buildings of handsome appear- 
ance. In some of the streets are smaller houses, amongst 

l 3 



114 THE STRANGER'S GUIDE 

which, is a part of the ancient house in which Shakspeare 
is said to have been born, still preserved in its antique 
state. It was sold on the 16th of September, 1847, for 
£3000 to the committee appointed for ensuring its pos- 
session to the nation, and other premises adjoining and 
forming part of the original house, were purchased by 
the committee at the same time. The house in which 
Shakspeare lived for a few years previous to his death 
was originally a mansion of the Clopton family, and was 
purchased by the bard, who, after improving it, called it 
New Place. It was taken down by a late proprietor, 
who also cut away the mulberry tree planted by Shaks- 
peare in the gardens. Here Shakspeare's name is almost 
in every mouth, and you can scarcely turn a corner but 
what some vestige of him meets the eye. It would seem 
that though he, throughout life, was the least ambitious, the 
most careless about his fame, he was, of all distinguished 
men, by the very echo of that fame, after the lapse of 
centuries, to give the chief impulse to some five or six 
thousand persons dwelling on the spot where he first 
drew breath. There are the Shakspeare relics — the 
Shakspeare theatre — the Shaskpeare hotel — the Shaks- 
peare bust — the Shakspeare tomb. Every body tells 
you of them, every body is ready to rise and run -and 
show them to the stranger. The ancient house and 
chamber where he was born, are humble to meanness, 
yet walls and ceilings and casketed albums are writ- 
ten over and rewritten with the names of the pilgrim 
visitants from various climes — princes, nobles, poets, phi- 
losophers and sages. The Town Hall a plain but sub- 
stantial edifice, of the Tuscan order, was dedicated to 
Shakspeare in 1769, the period of the jubilee, instituted 



THROUGH BIRMINGHAM. 115 

by Garrick, which festival has recently been revived, and 
is celebrated every three years. In a niche at the north 
end of the building is a finely sculptured statue of Shak- 
speare, presented by Garrick. The upper story com- 
prises a handsome banquetting room, decorated with 
paintings, including a full length portrait by Benjamin 
Wilson, of Shakspeare sitting in an antique chair, and at 
the opposite end, Garrick reclining against a bust of 
the poet by Gainsborough. The parochial church for- 
merly collegiate, is a spacious ;and venerable cruciform 
structure, chiefly in the early English style, with square 
embattled tower rising from the centre, and surmounted 
by a lofty octagonal spire. The interior is agreeable, also 
has some stately monuments, and the architecture of the 
chancel is extremely beautiful. The celebrated bust of 
Shakspeare is near it in a niche upon the northern wall, 
in the right hand is a pen and the left a scroll, a cushion 
is before him. The forehead is high and noble. This 
bust which is a well attested likeness, bore a strict re- 
semblance to the complexion, the colour of the eyes and 
hair of the poet, but was by the direction of Malone, one of 
his commentators, painted in imitation of stone, and now 
forms a lamentable contrast with those of the Clopton fa- 
mily and others in the church. . Stratford is pre-eminently 
distinguished as the birth-place and residence of the im- 
mortal bard, which circumstance has conferred upon this 
town a dignity superior to that of any other spot in the 
kingdom. Shottery, where Ann Hathaway's cottage 
stands, is about one mile distant from the church, 

HACLEY AND CLENT HILLS. 

From these hills the eye surveys a complete panorama of 
the Midland counties, comprising an arena of 60 miles, in 



116 THE STRANGER'S GUIDE" 

which the Malvern hills, the Wreken, and the stupendous 
heights of Derbyshire are distinctly visible. The hills of 
Clent are said to have been the scene of many fierce 
conflicts between the ancient Britons and the Romans. 
The antiquarian will be much interested with St. Kenelm's 
chapel, erected during the Saxon heptarchy by the mur- 
derers of St. Kenelm, prince of Mercia, in expiation of 
their crime. 

HAGLEY HALL, 

In this magnificent park of fallow deer is to be seen 
an elegant statue of Prince Frederick ; a fine old 
hermitage, with the castle and its splendid tower com- 
manding a prospect, which for grandeur and variety, 
stands unrivalled. The obelisk and temple of Theseus 
must recall to the classical student many pleasing asso- 
ciations; Lovers of poetry will not fail to observe the 
beautiful urns dedicated to the memory of the poets, 
Pope, Thomson and Shenstone. In the gardens of the 
mansion are flowers growing in all their luxuriance, and 
the orange, pine, lemon, and foreign fruits in abundance. 

LEASOWES, 

the much admired seat of the elegant poet Shenstone, is 
situated in the parish of Halesowen, eight miles from 
Birmingham, a region of unsurpassing beauty, and will 
more than amply repay a visit from the tourist.* They 
abound with picturesque beauties, and command exten- 
sive prospects. The traveller is at one time enveloped in 
wood, at another, views equally grand, extensive, and di- 
versified, break upon the sight. There are many lofty 
eminences separated by dingles, mantled with thickets 
of oaks, and watered by torrents, which heighten the 



THROUGH BIRMINGHAM. 117 

effect of this romantic scenery by their incessant roar 
and glistening foam. On this highly favoured spot na- 
ture has profusely lavished the richest and most diversified 
scenery, and which the hand of art, guided with a glow- 
ing imagination, has constituted the most poetic romantic 
character conceivable — and demands the attention of those 
persons who take delight in bold scenery ; and for the 
accommodation of those who are inclined to meditate and 
contemplate, numerous seats are fitted up in different di- 
rections. Such scenes as the Leasowes walks afford are 
very seldom to be met with in any other part of England, 
and therefore, those who are in pursuit of amusement 
will not regret if they even devote one whole day to 
them. 

DUDLEY 

is situated south-west of Wednesbury, a market town in 
the county of Worcester. To the geologist and the anti- 
quarian, Dudley unquestionably presents the greatest 
treat in this part of the kingdom. It derives its name 
from Dodo or Dudo, a Saxon prince who built a castle 
about the year 700. The town contains two churches ; 
one dedicated to St. Thomas, the other to St. Edmund; 
the former an elegant gothic structure, and the latter a 
plain brick building ; besides which, there are places of 
worship for almost every description of dissenters, and 
various schools and charities dependent 'on the church 
and dissenting bodies. The whole of the town and parish 
is in Worcestershire, but 

DUDLEY CASTLE, 

which is a grand and spacious ruin, is in the county of 
Stafford, and was one of the last which surrendered to 



118 THE STRANGER'S GUIDE. 

the Parliament in the civil wars. Its situation commands 
diversified, beautiful, and extensive prospects in every 
direction, and was formerly the seat of the ancestors of 
the present noble owner, Lord Dudley and Ward. Near 
the castle, and adjoining the town, are the interesting 
remains of a priory of Bendictine monks, founded by 
Gervase Pagnell, about the year 1161. Not far hence, 
are vast subterraneous lime-stone caverns, frequently 
entered by wondering strangers, more extensive than the 
caves of Castleton and Matlock, in Derbyshire. In these 
caverns numerous fossils are found, one of which, called 
the "Dudley Locust," is greatly esteemed by the col- 
lector, and is supposed to be an extinct species of mono- 
culus. In the vicinity of the town, there are several 
chalybeate springs and a valuable spa, held in much 
repute for its efficacy in cutaneous disorders. The popu- 
lation of Dudley in 1841 was 31,232, the greater part of 
whom are engaged in mining, making of nails, smelting 
iron ore, and the manufacture of flint-glass. It sends 
one member to the House of Commons, and its market 
day is Saturday. 

Having fulfilled the object of this work in conducting 
the visitor through Birmingham, and giving him descrip- 
tions of every thing worthy of notice in the town and 
environs, as well as historical descriptions of its vicinity, 
we shall next insert a few address cards, which we have 
no doubt will prove exceedingly useful to the stranger. 



NOTICES. 119 

LADIES TRAVELLING, 

Or during the DRIVE, PROMENADE, AQUATIC EXCUR- 
SION, or while otherwise exposed to the SOLAR HEAT and the 
annoyance of DUST, will find 

ROWLANDS' KALYDOR 

a most refreshing preparation for the Complexion, dispelling the 
cloud of langour and relaxation, allaying all heat and irritability, and 
immediately affording the pleasing sensation attending restored elas- 
ticity of the Skin. The numerous varieties of cutaneous eruptions, 
together with sunburn, freckles, tan, and discolourations, are plea- 
singly eradicated by the Kalydor, and the Skin rendered delicately 
soft, clear, and fair. Its purifying and refreshing properties have 
obtained its exclusive selection by Her Majesty the Queen, the 
Court, and the Royal Family of Great Britain, and the several Courts 
of Europe. Price 4s. 6d. and 8s. 6d. per Bottle. 

ROWLANDS' MACASSAR OIL. 

The unprecedented success of this discovery in restoring, improv- 
ing and beautifying the Human hair, is too well known and appre- 
ciated to need comment. The especial patronage of Her Majesty 
the Queen, the Court and the Royal Family of Great Britain, and of 
every Court in the civilised world, and the high esteem in which it 
is universally held, together with numerous testimonials constantly 
received of its efficacy, afford the best and surest proof of its merits. 
— Price 3s. 6d. — 7s — Family Bottles (equal to 4 small), 10s. 6d., and 
double that size, 21s. per Bottle. 

Rowlands' Odonto, or Pearl Dentifrice, 

A WHITE POWDER FOR THE TEETH, compounded of 
the choicest and most Recherche' Ingredients of the Oriental Herbal, 
of inestimable value in preserving and beautifying the Teeth, strength- 
ening of the Gums, and in rendering the Breath sweet and pure. 
Its truly efficient and fragrant aromatic properties have obtained its 
selection by Her Majesty the Queen, the Court and Royal Family of 
Great Britain, and the Sovereigns and Nobility throughout Europe. 
— Price 2s. 9d- per Box. 

Rowlands' Alsana Extract, 

For relieving the Tooth-ache, Gum Boils, and Swelled Face, and 
which, by constantly using, prevents those maladies. It is perfectly 
innocent in its nature. — Price 2s. 9d., 4s. 6d. and 10s. 6d. per Bottle. 

*** Beware of Spurious Imitations.— Some are 

offered under the implied sanction of Royalty and the 
Government Departments, with similar attempts at decep- 
tion. The only Genuine of each bears the name of 
" ROWLANDS' " preceding that of the Article on 
the Wrapper or label. Sold by them at 20, Hatton 
Garden, London, and by every respectable Chemist and 
Perfumer throughout the kingdom. 



120 



NOTICES. 



SPOONS & FORKS 

PLATED, BRITISH PLATE, OR PURE 
GERMAN SILVER. 




D. COPE & SON, 

Nos. 7 & 8, 
BARTHOLOMEW STREET, 

MANUFACTURERS OF 

ELECTRO PLATED, BRITISH PLATE, OR 



SPOONS, FORKS, SOUP LADLES, 

&C, &C. &C. 
SUITABLE FOR THE 

iEngtfef) aatt American Cratfe, antt for tfje 
CONTINENTAL MARKETS. 



/ 



NOTICES. 121 



C. & F. PEMBERTON, 

GLASS PAINTERS, STAINERS : 



AND 



• ORNAMENTAL GLAZIERS, 

12, NEW HALL HILL, BIRMINGHAM. 

(The oldest establishment of the hind in the town.) 

WINDOWS 

FOR 

ECCLESIASTICAL EDIFICES, 

BARONIAL HALLS, VILLAS, &c. 

Designed and executed in every style of finish, 
to the most elaborate and highest de- 
scription of art, both ancient 
and modern. 

M 



122 ' NOTICES. 

EDWARD PHIPSON, 

70, NAVIGATION STREET, BIRMINGHAM, 

MANUFACTURER OP 

THE HIGHLY APPROVED 

METALLIC BEDSTEADS, 

&c. &c. 
IN BRASS AND I RON. 



These very useful and elegant articles of furniture are 
being rapidly brought into general use both at home and 
abroad. Their peculiar advantages consist in 

PORTABILITY, CLEANLINESS, 

LIGHTNESS, ELEGANCE, AND DURABILITY, 

COMBINED WITH CHEAPNESS, 

and they are therefore confidently recommended to the 
heads of families and schools, and to the proprietors of 
hotels and all other public institutions. 

N.B. The Bedsteads may be had with the highly ap- 
proved Dovetail Joints. 






NOTICES. 



123 




R. W. WINFIELD, 

CAMBRIDGE STREET WORKS, 

BIRMINGHAM. 

PROPRIETOR OP THE ORIGINAL PATENT FOR 

METALLIC MILITARY BEDSTEADS, 

Patentee and Manufacturer of others upon improved prin- 
ciples ; also Manufacturer of Brass Desk, Pew, Organ, and 
other Railing; Window Cornices, Patent Curtain Bands 
and Ends ; Glass Cornice Rings ; Locomotive Railings and 
Mouldings ; Brass and Zinc Name Plates for Shop Fronts ; 
Sash Bars and Window Guards ; Candle Chandeliers and 
Sconces; Patent Tubes, by the New Patent Process, 
whether Taper or Double ; Picture, Pulley, Curtain, Ward- 
robe, and Stair Rods, Astragals, and Beading; Window 
Fronts, Mouldings, Plates, and Guards ; Balustrades ; Fire 
Screen Stands and Arms ; Bonnet, Hat, Cloak, and Um- 
brella Stands ; Brass and Iron Reclining and other Chairs ; 
Gas Chandeliers, Pillars, Branches, and Fittings of all 
kinds ; Tubing of every description, rough and finished ; 
Brass and Copper Wire, and Rolled Metals. 

SHOW ROOMS: 
Cambridge Street Works, Birmingham ; 

London, 141, Fleet Street, and 26, New Bond St. 

R. W. WINFIELD'S Show Rooms contain Specimens 
of his Patent Metallic Military, Travelling, and House 
Bedsteads, so much in use at Home and Abroad ; with 
many other Articles of Furniture in Brass, Bronze, Ormolu, 
and imitation of Silver ; together with Gas Fittings of every 
Description, and a Variety of otheT Articles of his Manu- 
facture. The Portable Bedsteads are admirably adapted 
for use in the Camp, or for Travelling ; also well suited for 
Officers in the Army and Navy. 



124 NOTICES. 

PEYTON & HARLOW, 

BORDESLEY WORKS, BIRMINGHAM, 

AND 

12, Panton Square, Haymarhet, 
LONDON, 

SOLE PATENTEES AND MANUFACTURERS OT THE 

IMPROVED PATENT 

BRASS & IRON BEDSTEADS, 

Protected by Her Majesty's Royal Letters Patent, 

Dated respectively the 16th day of December, 1841, and 
the 18th day of May, 1847. 

Manufactured with Patent Dovetail Joints, Patent 

Head Hails, and the Improved Patent Iron Lath 

Sacking, which avoids any Objection, and 

effects every result desirable in Iron 

Sackings. 

In reference to these Bedsteads, the Editor of the Art 
Union observes : — " We are bound in justice to add that 
they are the best of the manufacture we have hitherto been 
enabled to examine — the best in design — the best in con- 
struction — and the simplest in principle." 

Stretcher, Trunk, and Portable Bedsteads, 

IN EVERY VARIETY ; 

CJatrS, ^ofas, Cmtrijes, &t. 

MANUFACTURERS OF THE 

PATENT RHEIOCLINE & BOTHWAY'S PATENT 
INVALID BEDSTEADS. 

Cheap Bedsteads for Public Institutions, Workhouses, §c. 



NOTICES. 125 

EW VAUXHALL, 

BIRMINGHAM. 
COMBINATION OF ATTRACTIONS ! 

!! 



Now Open for the Season ! 



MR. T. HALE, 



The Proprietor, has the honour to announce, that during 
the recess, a number of alterations and improvements of 
a novel and attractive character, have been effected in the 
gardens of New Vauxhall, all tending to the pleasure, 
comfort, and convenience of the Public, among which is 

REMINGTON'S MAGIC BRIDGE, 

the scientific wonder of the age, and the admiration 
of the thousands who have already visited these gardens, 
and being more than One Hundred feet span, and less than 
one inch square in the centre, composed of common deal. 
Also Statuary from the Antique ! consisting of Venus sur- 
rounded by her attendant Nymphs, Diana, Mercury, Apollo, 
Fighting Gladiator, and the Quoit Thrower. Also Gigantic 
figures of those two great warriors, 

WELLINGTON AND NAPOLEON, 
together with others too numerous to enumerate. Mag- 
nificent Fountains and Waterfalls, twelve in number, con- 
stantly playing. The grounds now present the most beau- 
tiful appearance — Nature in all her wild unfettered graces, 
set off the art of the Landscape Gardener. Model of a 
First-rate Man of War. Monstre Gallery for Promenading 
and Dancing, upwards of three hundred feet in length. 
Splendid Quadrille Band. Magnificent Gas Illuminations. 
These being the only gardens in the Midland Counties that 
axe entirely lighted with gas, and present the most gorgeous 
appearance, causing it justly to be styled a Paradise in Mi- 
niature. Refreshments of all kinds on the most reasonable 
terms, Wines and Spirits direct from the Docks. Superior 
Ale, Porter, Stout, (Dublin and London,) &c. — Admission 
Twopence half -penny, which is returned in refreshments. 

m 3 



126 , 'notices. 

THE 

GREAT MIDLAND EMPORIUM, 

(ESTABLISHED 1841,) 

BULL RING, 

CORNER OF MOOR STREET, BIRMINGHAM. 



HERBERT ROOM, 

By Special Appointment, 

IRONMONGER & GRATE MANUFACTURER 

IN ORDINARY 

TO HER MAJESTY, AND H.R.H. PRINCE ALBERT, ' h i 

Most respectfully returns thanks to those ladies and gentle- 
men who have so liberally patronised his establishment 
since his commencement as above, and assures them it will 
ever be his study to maintain their confidence, by offering 
none but best manufactured articles at the lowest possible 
prices consistent with a fair remunerating profit ; his Stock 
will at all times be enriched and supplied with the newest 
and most novel designs. 

H. R. will be happy to show respectable parties through 
his establishment, and explain the various processes of 
manufacture, and uses of the articles submitted for sale. 

LAMPS. 

This branch of the Furnishing Trade, has for many years 
received, in particular, the personal attention of the pro- 



NOTICES. 127 

prietor, The Stock will be found, on inspection, of first- 
rate manufacture, and of entirely new and original designs, 
comprising an extensive assortment of 

Patent Gem and Vesta Spirit Lamps, Carcel, 
French, and Solar Lamps; Palmer's Magnum, 
Medium, and Reading Candle Lamps ; Chande- 
liers, Branches, Bracket Lights, Hall and Side- 
board Lamps; Carriage and Gig Lamps; every 
description of XJight Lamps, Chimney Piece 
Lamps, Girandoles, Candelabra, and Lustres. 

JOHN TALL & Co's VESTA SPIRIT. 
SPERM, ARGAND, AND SOLAR OILS. 

GLASSES AND COTTONS. 

Lamps, &c. Repaibed, Re-Bronzed, or Re- 
Lackered, on the Shortest Notice. 



CAS FITTmCSj 

CHANDELIERS, PENDANTS, BRANCHES, 

SHOP WINDOW LIGHTS. a c ; 

OUTSIDE FRENCH LAMPS, %c. 

Burners, Glasses, and Reflectors ; Cocks, Unions, 
Elbows, &c. 

AND EVERY KIND OF GAS FITTINGS. 

ESTIMATES given for Fitting-up Churches, Chapels, 
Public Rooms, Shops, Houses, &c. 

EXPERIENCED WORKMEN constantly employed 
in this particular branch. 



S The Stock also comprises an extensive Assortment of 

Stove Grates, Polished Steel, Bronzed, and Or- 
Molu Fenders and Fire Irons. 

London made Bronzed Tea and Coffee Urns. Patent 
Block Tin Dish Covers of every shape manufactured. 



128 NOTICES- 

Depot for Papier Machee, Bronzes, Ormolu, Pearl, 
Ivory, Tortoiseshell, Leather, and Berlin Iron Or- 
naments, both useful and ornamental. A large and elegant 
Stock of Tea Trays and Waiters. 



SHEFFIELD CUTLERY. 

Silver and Plated Dessert Knives and Forks, and Melon 
Carvers. Pearl, Ivory, Agate, Buffalo Horn, Cocoa Nut, 
Stag, &c. Handle Dinner Knives and Porks, with 
Carvers, Slicers, and Steels to match. Sportsmen's Pocket, 
Pen, Desk, Corn, Budding, Horticultural, &c. Knives. 
Ladies' Scissars. Tailors', Drapers', Brush Makers', 
Paper Hangers', and House Scissars, Shears, &c. Supe- 
rior Razors, Knife Sharpeners, Steels and Erasers. Pen 
Making Machines, &c. 

AND CUTLERY IN ALL ITS BRANCHES. 



WARRANTED SHEFFIELD PLATED GOODS, 

WITH STERLING SILVER MOUNTS. 
Dinner Services, Covers, Side and Venison Dishes, Tu- 
reens, Warmers, Epergnes, Centres, Ice Pails, Baskets, 
Tea and Coffee Sets, Kettles, Urns, Branches, Candelabra, 
Waiters, Liquor and Cruet Stands, Candlesticks, and many 
others Articles, the whole of which are manufactured by 
the most eminent Sheffield Houses. 



German Silver Wares. Patent Enamelled Saucepans. Copper 
and Block Tin Goods, and every essential requisite for domestic or 
culinary purposes. Floral and Horticultural Implements. Ladies' 
and Gentlemen's Chests of Tools. Iron Chests, Closets and Book- 
cases , and Smiths' Work in general. 



MANUFACTURER OF BATHS, IN COPPER, TIN, OR fclNC. 

Every description of Ornamental Iron and Brass Work, 

Wire Blinds, Park Fences, &c. 

WORKMEN SENT TO ANY PART OF THE KINGDOM. 



GREAT MIDLAND EMPORIUM, 

BULL RING, corner of Moor Street, BIRMINGHAM. 



NOTICES. 



129 






F. & C. OSLER, 

BROAD STREET, BIRMINGHAM, 



AND 



44, OXFORD STREET, LONDON, 

MANUFACTURERS OF 

GLASS CHANDELIERS, 

GLASS CHIMNEY LUSTRES, TABLE GLASS, &c 




RICHLY CUT CRYSTAL GLASS CHANDELIERS FOR GAS 

AND CANDLES, 

(made fkom "begistebed" designs,) 

With Glass Branches, suitable for Drawing Rooms, Ball Rooms, fyc. 

BRITISH AND FOREIGN ORNAMENTAL GLASS. 



130 NOTICES. 




J. & C. RATCLIFF & Co ., 



PATENT 



ELECTRO PLATERS AM GILDERS 

140, SUFFOLK STBEET, 
BIRMINGHAM. 



PATENTEES AND PROPRIETORS ^OF THE 

PATENT DISC LAMP 

FOR BURNING COMMON OILS, 

AND 

FOR BURNING TALLOW. 
MANUFACTURERS OF THE PATENT 

VESTA AND PARAGON LAMPS 

For Burning Vesta Spirit or Patent Camphine. 

Lamps, Chandeliers, Candelabra, Bronzes, 

INKSTANDS, &c. &c. 
GAS FITTINGS OF EVERY DESCRIPTION. 



NOTICES. 



131 



147, BREARLEY STREET, NEWTOWN ROW, 

BIRMINGHAM. 




CALLUM & HODSON, 

MANUFACTURERS 



OF 

EVERY DESCRIPTION 

OF 

PAPIER M MM ARTICLES 

AND 

JAPANNED GOODS, 

PAPER AND IRON TEA TRAYS, 

&c. &c. 



132 NOTICES. 

GEORGE RICHMOND COLLIS & CO.'S 

(Late Sir Edward Thomason's) 

MANUFACTORY, 

CHURCH STREET, BIRMINGHAM. 

Messrs. G. R. Collis and Co. respectfully invite the attention of the Nobility 
and Gentry requiring PLATE and ELECTRO PLATED SERVICES, &c. to visit 
their extensive Manufactories, the Church Street Works, Birmingham ; and 1. 
Langham Place, Regent Street, London. Messrs. Collis and Co. trust the long 
Established and High Character their Works have sustained, (having been car- 
ried on by SIR EDWARD THOMASON and themselves during a period of sixty- 
years), will be a sufficient Guarantee for the superior Quality and Class of all 
Articles Manufactured and Sold by them. 

Messrs. Collis & Co. have, in accordance with the Spirit of the Times, adopted 
the system of Manufacturing all the Articles they offer for sale, thus effecting a 
saving to the consumer of the intermediate profit charged by the shopkeeper in 
most instances 30 per cent, and upwards. This is one of the principal features 
in their Establishment,^ mode of transacting [Business the Public have long 
desired. 

In addition to their extensive selection of Patterns for Manufacturing, Messrs. 
Collis andfCo. have purchased a considerable portion of the Dies and Elaborate 
Designs used | 1 j the late Firm of Rundell, Bridge, and Co. London ; which 
enables them to make or match almost every description of Silver or Plated 
Services. 

Messrs. C. and Co. having paid the 'greatest attention to the Manufacture of 
Services particularly adapted for the MESS TABLES OP OFFICERS, STEAM 
PACKETS, AND HOTELS, have a variety of patterns adapted for such purposes, 
the Plating being of rich Quality, and the Articles made of extra strength. 

ThenvELECTRO PLATED SERVICES are made from the same patterns and 
precisely the same mode as that adopted in making Solid Silver Wares, being 
Plated on pure white German Silver, and not upon Copper or inferior Metals, 
so generally used ; every part is bard soldered, and the finish will be found equal 
to any Silver Article made. By their new Method of ^Plating, any Old Services 
can be Re-Plated at a very moderate charge, and finished equal to New. 

Parties requiring Patterns and Estimates for Plate, &c. will have immediate 
attention by applying to either of their Establishments, and if wished, they un- 
dertake the Shipping of Articles required to go Abroad. 

The MEDAL DEPARTMENT will be found one of great Interest ; among the 
numerous series of DIES are the celebrated DASSIER DIES of the KINGS OF 
ENGLAND, the MUDIE DIES for the series of Grand National Medals, com- 
memorative of the Victories of the late War, and 4S Dies for Medals of the ELGIN 
MARBLES; also SIR EDWARD THOMASON'S Splendid series of 120 Large 
Medal Dies, 3 inch each Diameter, Illustrative of the HOLY SCRIPTURES ; 
and a Series of 16 Medals on SCIENCE and PHILOSOPHY; together with 
many Thousand DIES on various subjects, and Illustrating different Events. 

The extensive Show Rooms and Manufactory of Messrs. Collis and Co. are 
situate in Church Street, Birmingham, in the centre of the Town, adjoining St. 
Philip's Churchyard. The Ware Rooms contain the Finished Articles for Sale, 
and are open to all Persons of respectability. 

The Fac ? Simile of the celebrated WARWICK VASE, upwards of 21 feet in 
circumference, was made in Metallic Bronze at this Manufactory ; the Copper 
Bronze STATUE of HIS LATE MAJESTY, GEORGE IV. upwards of six feet in 
height, was Modelled, Cast, and Sculptured at this Establishment ; as also a 
Shield in honourof the Duke of Wellington's Victories: these and numerous other 
Works are stationed in separate Rooms, to exhibit the progress of British Art. 

Parties are appointed to conduct Visitors over the different Show Rooms and 
Workshops ; and afford them the opportunity of inspecting the various processes 
carried on in the Manufacture of Silver and Electro Plated Articles, from the 
raw material to the finish ; as well as the very interesting Manufacture of Papier 
Macbee, &c Introductions may be had to view the principal Works in the Town. 

It is particularly requested that neither to Conductors nor Work-People will 
any gratuity be given. 

N.B. Mr. G. R. Collis holds the appointment of Consul in Birmingham'' for 
Turkey, and Vice-Consul for France.Russia, Prussia, Portugal, Norway, Sweden, 
&c. &c, with the privilege of granting Passports to Persons visiting France and 
its Dominions. 



NOTICES. 



135 



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1 36 NOTICES. 

SMITH & HAWKES, 
GENERAL IRONFOUNDERS, 

Stove Grate & Kitchen Range Manufacturers, 

SMITHS, AND ENGINEERS, 

EAGLE FOUNDRY, 

I (ESTABLISHED 1775.) 



S. and H. also manufacture every description of Chilled 
and Sand Rolls for rolling metals ; Mill Work ; Steam 
Engines; the Patent Self- feeding Fire Regulator and Smoke 
Consumer, Sugar Mills for Exportation, Saw Mills, Cranes 
upon an improved construction, capable of raising from one 
to ten tons; Bone Mills, Malt Rollers, Weldon's Patent 
Bark Mill and Improved Leather Rolling Apparatus; Clay- 
Mills to work by Hand, Horse-power, or Steam ; Pumps, 
Pulley Blocks, Stamp Anvils, Hammers, and Press Castings 
of every description ; Weighing Machines, from one to ten 
tons, for Railways or Common Roads ; Iron Bridges of all 
descriptions ; Heating Apparatus by Warm Water, Steam 
or Warm Air; Dr. Arnott's Stoves ; Garden and Meadow 
Rolls, Bookcase Doors and Frames, Patent Safety Fireproof 
Chests and Deed Boxes, Cast and Wrought Iron Palisades, 
Fencing, Hurdles, Verandahs, Geometrical Stairs, Balus- 
trades, Iron Windows, with every kind of Stove Grate, 
Kitchen Range, Cooking Apparatus, Ovens, Hot Closets, 
Bath Boilers, Stewing Plates, Hay Racks and Mangers, 
Water Troughs, &c. 

N.B. The whole of the iron is tested of which the rolls 
and machinery are made, and they believe they are the 
only founders who have systematically pursued this plan 
for the last fifteen years. 

Books containing Lists of Spur and Bevel Wheel Pat- 
terns may be forwarded on application. 






NOTICES. 



137 



J. RODGERS & SON, 

INDIA RUBBER WORKS, 

BROAD STREET, BIRMINGHAM, 
AND AT 39 & 40, CHISWELL STREET, LONDON. 



Manufacturers of 



India Rubber Webs for Braces 

Garters and Belts 

Trouser and Waistcoat 

Springs 

Saddle Girths 

Shoulder Straps 

Surgical Bandages 

Ladies' Sandals 

Clog Springs 

Pocket Book Springs 

~— — Knee Caps 

Fetlock Boots 

And all other Articles to which 
Elastic Webs arc ap- 
plicable 

SILK PURSES "and Watch 
Guards 



Woollen Girth # Roller Webs 

Belt and Brace Webs 

Diaper and Straining 

Webs 

Boot, Shoe, & Tape Webs 

Cotton Web BRACES 

and Belts 

Worsted Web do. do. 

IndiaRubber Web do. do. 

Silk and Doe Leather 

Braces 
India Rubber and Gut 

Brace Fronts 
India Rubber and Wire 

Waistcoat Springs 

Ditto ditto ditto Garters 

Leather and Spring 

Trouser Straps 
Children's Leather and 

Worsted Belts 



PATENTEES OF THE SPRING HOOKS AND 
EYES, LEVER BUCKLES, AND DOUBLE- 
ACTION BRACES. 

n3 



138 



NOTICES. 






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NOTICES. 139 

»j) ti)t Quern's 2ftoj)al %ttttv& -Patent 



PATENT INVISIBLE HOOKS AND EYES. 




NOTICE of this Invention, taken from the Lady's Newspaper : — 
" Having had an opportunity of examining McEvoy's Patent In- 
visible Hooks and Eyes, we feel great pleasure in directing the atten- 
tion of our readers to this very useful and ingenious invention. Ladies 
have long been sensible of the trouble and inconvenience attending 
the use of the Hooks and Eyes ordinarily employed for fastening 
dresses. Their constant tendency to unfasten, to bend, and break, 
together with the numerous other inconveniences attending them, 
have caused many Dress Makers to substitute buttons or laces in 
their stead. Not the least of the disadvantages inseparable from 
Hooks and Eyes of the usual kind is the very inelegant appearance 
they frequently give to the back of a Lady's dress (especially if 
made of satin or any lustrous substance'), by drawing it into lines. 
By the use of McEvoy's Hooks and Eyes, the back of a dress may 
be so perfectly closed as to present the appearance of being sewn 
down, When fastened, the newly-invented Hooks and Eyes are 
perfectly invisible. A single trial of this new invention will suffici- 
ently test its superiority." 

fe- H. McEVOY takes this opportunity of announcing that his 
Newly-invented and Registered CONVEX HOOKS and EYES 
are now ready for sale. 

HENKY McEVOY, 

HALL STREET WORKS, BIRMINGHAM, 

Agent for the Wholesale Trade in London and Manchester — Mr. 
WILLIAM BLENKIRON, 123, Wood Street, London, and 8, 
Palace Square, Manchester. 

May also be had of all respectable Dealers throughout the kingdom. 



140 NOTICES. 

Kg fetx fBLsy&tg* iioyal Xttter* ^attnt. 



Patent Eyelet . 



Patent TV ire Loop_. 




Brace Button, No. 2. 



CHARLES ROWLEY, 

23 & 24, NEWHALL-STREET, BIRMINGHAM, 
Sc 19, ADDLE STREET, WOOD STREET, LONDON, 

Stamper and Piercer, 

AND PATENTEE OF VARIOUS NEWLY-INVENTED AND IMPROVED 

BUTTONS, &c. 

Gilt, Plated, Military, Xavy, Crest §• Sporting in all their Departments ; 

Rich Brocade, Satin, Velvet, Florentine, and all kinds of Covered 
Buttons, together with every varietv of 

TROUSEE BUTTONS, viz. 

The Eyelet-hole, Wire Loop and Ivory Centre, Steel, Pearl, Jet 
and Japanned ; also, 

LADIES' DRESS BUTTONS OF PRESENT FASHIONS. 

THE IMPROVED METALLIC EYELET-HOLE, 
Of which C. E. is the Sole Inventor, 

Is so well known, its vast utility being felt by every individual, more or less, 
on the face of the globe, that it requires no comment farther than to say, he 
still continues to manufacture that Article ; and he begs most respectfully to 
return his sincere thanks to his Friends and the Public, who, daring the period 
of fifteen years, siuce he first discovered the practicability of making an 
Eyelet-hole of Metal, have honoured him with their commands, and he hopes 
bv unremitting attention and perseverance to merit a continuance of their 
favours. 

IRON" A\"D COMPOSITION SHIPS' THIMBLES, MANUFACTURED 
UPON A NEW PRINCIPLE* 
C. R. begs respectfully to draw the attention of the Merchants and Factors 
particularly to the recent improvements in his Four-hole and other descriptions 
of Fancy Buttons. 

THE PATENT EYELET-ROLE AND WIKK-CBNTKB TROISER BUTTONS, 

so mnch preferable to all ether Brace Buttons, in consequence of their adap- 
tation to prevent cutting the thread. 



BY HER 
MAJESTY'S 



NOTICES. 141 

^KS~^ "lU^ (£«* ROYAL 

6 MM«rar¥ letters 

^^S^^i^^WJ PATENT. 



JOHN MITCHELL, 

PATENTEE AND MANUFACTURER 

OF THE MUCH APPROVED 

SELF ADAPTING METALLIC PENS AND PEN- HOLDERS. 

The peculiar advantage of J. Mitchell's Patent Pen, is in the Elasticity 
of the upper part which is so constructed that it adapts itself to any Pen 
Holder, even if much smaller than the Pen, without damaging the nibs, 
thus obviating a difficulty that has always been experienced by parties 
using Steel Pens, and which has entirely prevented many persons from 
using them. 

The Patent Pen-Holder possesses a similar advantage as by expansion it 
accommodates various sizes of Pens, made upon the ordinary principle. 

J. M. begs leave respectfully to inform the Merchants, Bankers, and the 
Public in General, that he continues to Manufacture every other de- 
scription of Steel Pens, for which he solicits their patronage and support, 
and which may be obtained from every respectable Stationer and Bookseller 
throughout the kingdom. 

WHOLESALE, AND FOR EXPORTATION AT THE MANUFAC- 
TORY, 48, NEWHALL STREET, BIRMINGHAM. 

A. P. DADLEY, 

MANUFACTURER OP 
GILT TOYS, CLOAK CLASPS, WATCH CHAINS, SEALS AND 
^ KEYS, SHOE AND KNEE BUCKLES, LATCHETS, &c. 
N.B. SHIP THIMBLES. 

THE DETACHED TROUSERS STRAPS, 

With one or two Joints, Registered August 26th, 1848, No. 1553, Manu- 
factured by A. P. Dadley, the Best Invention ever placed before the 
Public. It is so constructed that it may be fastened or unfastened instantly ; 
nevertheless in the act of wearing it is perfectly secure, it can be detached 
from the foot without'unbuttoning or removing it from the trousers. It is 
so in its mechanism that it cannot be out of order, or become unserviceable ; 
the price is so moderate that it is within the reach of every ordinary wearer 
of Trousers Straps. Also the vulcanised India Rubber Trousers and Cloth 
Straps, with Leather ends, &c. Sold Wholesale and Retail. 

N.B. Orders are executed from the pattern cards of Ma. JOHN MANLY, 
and of Messrs. MALINS & SON. 

Kjp Agent for PARKER'S METALLIC OXIDE PAINT. 
Commissions attended to with Fidelity and Dispatch. 



142 NOTICES. 

*8, BARTHOIiOItlEJW STEEET, 

Near the Railway Stations. 

REEVES, GREAVES, & REEVES, 

SWORD MANUFACTURERS 

TO HER MAJESTY'S HONOURABLE BOARD OF ORDINANCE AND 
THE HONOURABLE EAST INDIA COMPANY. 

EYERY DESCRIPTION OF 
NAVAL AND MILITARY REGULATION COURT DRESS SWORDS, 

FOR BRITISH AND FOREIGN SERVICE. 
Dirks, Lances, Javelins, Boarding Pikes, Fencing Foils and Masks, 
Forged Matchers, Cutlasses, Cutlass Blades, &c.^ warranted. Rich Pre- 
sentation Swords. 



FAZELEY STREET AND BAGGOT STREET MILLS, 

BIRMINGHAM. 



PATENT HINGE AND SHOE HEEL WORKS, 
40, LIONEL STREET. 

johYToijld, 

MANUFACTURER OF 

PATENT WROUGHT IRON HINGES, 

EBCtE BUTTS, 

TABLE BED AND BACK FLAPS, 

lioose Butts, Shutter Hinges, 

BEST AND COMMON T HINGES. 

&c. &c. &c. 
SHOE HEELS AND TOE PLATES OF EVERY DESTRIPTION. 



NOTICES. 133 

JOHN YATES & SONS, 

MANUFACTURERS OF EVERY 

DESCRIPTION OF ELECTRO SILVER & ALBATA, 

OR PURE BRITISH PLATE 

SPOONS, FORKS, LADLES, FISH MR, 

CairtrteStfrittf, Matters, &c. 

PATENT ELECTRO SILVER PLATERS. 1 

The advantages of the PATENT ELECTRO PLATE 
are now universally acknowledged ; every article is made 
the same fashion as in silver, and the base is composed of 
Albata, a pure white compound metal, same colour 
throughout, and of great durability. ELECTRO PLATE 
SPOONS, FORKS, &c. marked with the maker's initials, 
J. Y. and S., are guaranteed to wear well, and cannot be 
distinguished from silver, except by referring to the marks. 

PLATING done for the Trade, and charges in strict 
proportion to the weight of silver deposited. OLD 
ARTICLES of any description replated. 

Orders received for the above through any respectable 
Wholesale House either in London or Birmingham. 

37 and 38, COLESHILL STREET, 

BIRMINGHAM. 

N 



134 NOTICES. 

MAPPLEBECK & LOWE'S 

EXTE1STSITE 

HARDWARE ESTABLISHMENTS, 

MIDLAND COUNTIES 

Agricultural Implement JBepct, 
STOVE GRATE MANUFACTORY, 

And Repository for 'Patents, New Inventions, 
and Specimens of Manufacture, 

BULL RING, SMITHF1ELD, & GLOUCESTER ST., 

BIRMINGHAM. 
M. & L. respectfully invite Families and Parties about 
to Furnish, to an inspection of their Establishments in the 
Bull Ring and Smithfield, the Show Rooms attached to 
which are the most extensive in the kingdom : they present 
a Stock the largest and most varied in the respective de- 
partments, and very far, as a whole, surpass anything ever 
before presented to public view. 

THE PLATED SHOW ROOMS 
contain a most splendid and extensive Stock of Best 
Sheffield Plated Wares, with Silver Edges, elabo- 
rately ornamented with Patterns of the newest and most 
exquisite workmanship. 

THE CUTLERY SHOW ROOMS 
exhibit a great variety of curious specimens, as well as a 
very extensive Assortment of the most useful Articles in 
Cutlery, from Joseph Rodgers and Sons, Sheffield, Cutlers 
to the Queen. M. & L. are Sole Agents for the Sale of 
their celebrated Cutlery, &c. 

THE GENERAL SHOW ROOMS 
are filled with a very choice Selection of Fancy Articles 
for Presentation, as well as a superb Stock of Papier 
Mache Trays, Waiters, &c, and numerous Specimens of 
the finest production in Works of Art and Manufactures of 
Birmingham, London, and Sheffield. 

ADDITIONAL SHOW ROOMS 
built expressly for the display of Iron and Brass Bedsteads, 
with Patented Improvements. 

Wholesale and Retail. 



NOTICES. 



143 



33, WORCESTER 
STEEET, 




BIRMINGHAM. 



JOSEPH RUDHALL & Co. 

Manufacturers of 

METALLIC PENS AND PEN HOLDERS, 

AND 

PATENT ELECTRO PENS. 

CAUTION. — To Merchants, Bankers, and the Public generally. 

RUDHALL & Co. can confidently recommend (he Steel Pens of 
their Manufacture, stamped with their name, and they Hereby Give 
Notice that all persons who shall counterfeit or imitate the mark of 
Rudhall §■ Co., or who shall sell any steel pens stamped with any 
such counterfeited or imitated marks, will forthwith on discovery, 
be proceeded against in one of the Courts of Law or Equity, and any 
person giving such information as shall lead to the Discovery of the 
Manufacturer or Vendor of pens so counterfeited, shall be handsomely 
rewarded. 




A. REMOND & Co. 
ENVELOPE MANUFACTURERS, 

37, GREAT CHARLES STREET, BIRMINGHAM. 

PATENT DETECTOR, ADHESIVE AND ALL 
KINDS OF STAMPED ENVELOPES. 

PATENTEE of the Steam Engine without back pressure, applicable 
to either new or old Engines of high-or low pressure, by which 

A saving of at least 30 per cent, in Fuel is warranted to be effeeted. 



144 



NOTICES, 

LIBRARIES 



OR • 

£maii battel® xsf JSoofta 

BOUGHT FOR CASH 

OR TAKEN IN EXCHANGE BY 

, CORNISH BROTHERS, 

AT THEIR 

CHEAP BOOK ESTABLISHMENT, 

37, NEW STREET, 

(next door to the journal office,) 

BIRMINGHAM. 







NOTICES. ' 145 

JOHN OAKES, 

6, EXETER ROW, BIRMINGHAM, 

MANUFACTURER OF 

BITS, STIRRUPS & BOX SPURS, 

HU!\m§\JC, RACING, MILITARY 
AND DRESS SPURS. 

EVERY DESCRIPTION OF SPUR 
For the Home and Foreign Markets, 

AND MANUFACTURER OF 

German ^ti&u- Electro $late* %vtich&, 
FOR THE SOUTH AMERICAN MARKET. 



OAKES & WARD, 

6, EXETER ROW, BIRMINGHAM, 

MANUFACTURERS OF GIG, CARRIAGE 
AND RAILWAY LAMPS 



OF EVERY DESCRIPTION. 



H. JOWETT & CO. 
CLOTHIERS & OUTFITTERS, 

38, K"ew Street, Birmingham, 

HAVE ALWAYS ON HAND A SELECT 

STOCK OF FASHIONABLE CLOTHING, 

WELL MADE, AS WELL AS TO ORDER. 

A Suit of Clothes made in Six Hours, from £2. 

N.B. The much admired PALETOT COAT in great 
variety. o 



146 NOTICES. 

WAREING & SON, 

ECONOMICAL & FASHIONABLE 

sratiota, 

ROBE MAKERS, 

HATTERS, 

HOSIERS, GLOVERS, 

SHIRT MAKERS, 

WATERPROOF CLOTHIERS, 

GENERAL OUTFITTERS, 

AND 

AGENTS 

FOR MESSRS. H. J. & D. NICOLL, 

€ourt Caiiots, 

REGENT STREET and CORNHILL, 
LONDON. 



No. 34, 34a, and 35, NEW STREET, 
BIRMINGHAM, 

EXACTLY OPPOSITE THE INTENDED 

RAILWAY STATION.] 



NOTICES. 147 

THE BRITISH TOOL MART, 
AND HARD-WARE DEPOT, 

ESTABLISHED HALF A CENTURY, 

6, DIGBETH, BIRMINGHAM. 

JENKINS & CLARK, 

FElISHIl&GIIRAllROfflOlERS, 

Cutlet, 23ra$tcnS, JSugftWrnttH 33eXX ganger*, 

ZINC, IRON, AND TIN PLATE WORKERS, 

BATH MANUFACTURERS, 
AND GENERAL IRONFOUNDERS. 

JOHN SHELDON, 

Manufacturer of Coltf, ^terltns J£>tl&tr, an& 

Electro PatetJ cfcerpomtett dentils anB 

$m CaSc3. 

LETTER AND COIN BALANCE, PENCIL AND PEN CASES, SPIRAL 

ACTION PENCIL, FINE GOLD AND UNION GOLD AND 

SILVER PENS WITH EVERLASTING POINTS, 

;: AND SUITABLE PEN HOLDERS. 

FINE GOLD AND SILVER GUARD CHAINS, GOLD AND 

SILVER THIMBLES. 

PATENT ELECTRO PLATED AND PURELY REFINED 

NlCKEL-SlLVER SPOONS, FORKS, LADLES, FlSH CARVERS, 

&c. &c. 

IN PLAIN FIDDLE THREADED, QUEEN'S, AND BEST 

VICTORIA PATTERNS. 4 

MANUFACTORY, 
55, GREAT HAMPTON STREET, BIRMINGHAM. 



148 NOTICES. 

JAMES COBLEY, 

MANUFACTURER OF 

MOROCCO AND RUSSIA POCKET BOOKS, 

Ladies' Companions, Tablets, &c. &c. 
130, GREAT CHARLES STREET, BIRMINGHAM. 

WRITING, TRAVELLING, DRESSING, SPECTACLES, CARD, 

CIGAR, JEWEL "MEDAL, & SURGEON'S INSTRUMENT 
CASES, WOR K BOXES, &c. 

SAMUEL EVANS, 

39, ST. PAUL'S SQUARE, BIRMINGHAM, 

MANUFACTURER OF 

Electro Plated, Plated British and Albata 
Plate Articles. 

DINNER, TEA AND COFFEE SERVICES, 

CANDLESTICKS AND BRANCHES, LIQUER CRUET AND 

SOY STANDS, 

SPOONS, FORKS, fyc. 

WADDELL & WILLIAMS, 

CARRIAGE BVILDEBf 

CONTRACTORS, 

And Harness Makers, 

26, PERSHORE STREET, 

BIRMINGHAM. 
1 - BRITANNIA METAL, AND ELECTRO PLATE WORKS. 

HENRY C0RNF0RTH, 

(LATE SPURRIER AND CORNFORTH,) 

jfttanufartnret of tfje J&etoln. EmprofarTr OHeetro $Iatetr 
on argentine antr otljer JHetate. 

TEA AND COFFEE SERVICES, ARABESQUE, GOTHIC, CHINESE, AND 
ALSO BRITANNIA METAL, 

I Tea and Coffee Services of every description 
of Pattern. 

MANUFACTORY AND SHOW ROOMS, 

OPPOSITE ELKINGTONS, NEWHALL STREET, 
[„5 _ BIRMINGH M. 



NOTICES, 149 

GEORGE PHILLIPS, 

{MANUFACTURER OF 

PORTABLE WRITING DESKS 

29re$£Jing antt JHja&mg Ca^S, 

TEA CHESTS,|CADDIES, &c. 
118, GREAT CHARLES STREET, BIRMINGHAM. 

BENJAMIN MARSH, 

MANUFACTURER OF 

CANDLESTICKS, LUSTRES, CANDELABRA 

tit f&vtm\t (©ivmolu, antf Clectro ^latt. 

83, COLESHILL STREET, BIRMINGAM, 
6, THAVES INN, HOLBORN, LONDON. 

CHARLES! CLIFFORD. 

A, 

; ._ (Successor to W. Phipson.) ^ 

ROLLING MILLS, 

Copper, Brass, and Zinc Warehouse, 

FAZELEY STREET, BIRMINGHAM. 

131, GREAT CHARLES STREET, BIRMINGHAM. 

JAMES HEWLETT, 

(Established in 1805. ) 

SILVERSMITH, PLATER, & GLASS-CUTTER, 
Manufacturer of 

JAPANNED PAPER, EBONY, CRUET §■ LIQUOR FRAMES. 

Fancy Bellows and Drawer Knobs of every description. 



150 NOTICES 

CHEAP 



STRANGERS 

And also TOWNSMEN are respectfully informed that 

they may spend a leisure hour with profit and 

without cost, by inspecting 

THE IMMENSE STOCK OF 

OLD AND NEW BOOKS, 

SELLING AT 

VERY REDUCED PRICES 

BY CORNISH BROTHERS, 

AT THE OLD ESTABLISHED 

CHEAP BOOK DEPOT, 

37, NEW STREET, 

(NEXT DOOR TO THE "JOURNAL" OFFICE, 

AND OPPOSITE THE INTENDED 

NEW RAILWAY STATION), 

BIRMINGHAM. 

* 

Standard Library sets in plain and elegant bindings 
always in stock. 

LIBRARIES however extensive, and large and small 
lots of Books of all kinds, purchased for cash, or 
taken in exchange. 

Cornish Brothers are valuers of every description of 
Literary Property, for legal and other purposes. 

CAUTION. — Cornish Brothers beg to state that they 
have no other place of business in Birmingham, than 
their Old Established Booh Shop, 37, New Street, (next 
door to the "Journal" Office,) which they have now 
carried on nearly twenty years. 



DOMESTIC MEDICINE 

A MEDICAL TABLET — on which is shown atone vie 
the CAUSES, SYMPTOMS, TREATMENT, AN 
CURE, OF THE VARIOUS DISEASES TO WHICI 
THE HUMAN FRAME IS LIABLE, with 65 valuable 
prescriptions (in English) the result of fifty years' succes. 
ful practice, by an eminent Physician, printed on a broaV 
sheet for a roller or framing. Sixpence. 



KITTOARNOLD'SLATIN PR08L 



COWAN'S KEY to the last Edition of ARNOLD'S IN- 
TRODUCTION TO LATIN PROSE COMPOSITION, 

Is. 6c?. or free by Post for Twenty-two Stamps. 



VETERINARY TABLET, 

Shewing at one view the CAUSE, SYMPTOMS, and CURE, 
of all the DISEASES OF HORSES, CATTLE, ANr 
DOGS, with Thirty useful Recipes, price only Sixpem 
free by Post, 10 Stamps. This valuable Tablet is in ti 
form of a sheet almanac for hanging against the wall of p 
room or stable, for immediate reference, and is acknow 
ledged by all who have seen it, to be the best and mc 
useful Avork on the subject ever published. Every Farmf 
every Sportsman or Groom, should have it ready at hai 
for constant reference. 

PUBLISHED BY CORNJSH BROTHERS, 

AT THE CHEAP BOOK ESTABLISHMENT 

37, NEW STREET, BIRMINGHAM. 



<Z> 



L. C. Bindery 
1904. 



